‘Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Freed Without Ransom After Security Agencies Arrested Terrorists’ Relatives’ – Ex-DSS Operative Seyi Adetayo Claims

• Former DSS operative Seyi Adetayo says the abducted Oyo pupils and teachers regained their freedom without ransom after security agencies allegedly arrested relatives of the kidnappers and intensified pressure on the group.
• He also praised the intelligence-led operation, saying it prevented the victims from being moved to another terrorist stronghold.

Former Department of State Services (DSS) operative Seyi Adetayo has claimed that the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State were freed without the payment of ransom after security agencies mounted sustained pressure on the kidnappers by arresting their wives, mothers and other close relatives.

Speaking during an interview on TVC, Adetayo dismissed suggestions that the kidnapping operation was hastily planned, explaining that international terrorist groups typically spend months preparing such attacks.

“International terrorist organizations don’t plan operations within a day or two days. It can take them up to six months. These are professionals, and it’s something they’ve been doing for years,” he said.

According to Adetayo, security agencies relied on intelligence gathering and technology to identify individuals connected to the kidnapping network. He said the DSS already had information on some of the suspects and used it to trace their associates and family members across different states.

The former DSS operative explained that the arrests of relatives and close associates formed part of a broader strategy to pressure the kidnappers while negotiations and intelligence operations continued.

He also disclosed that the kidnappers demanded the release of one of their key leaders who is currently facing prosecution, but the Federal Government refused, describing the decision as a critical national security measure.

Adetayo further revealed that the kidnappers were still hiding in the Oyo forest when the victims were released. He said security forces quickly surrounded the area to prevent the victims from being moved to the Kainji forest, which he described as the group’s operational base.

Comparing the operation to the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, Adetayo said the swift response by security agencies in the Oyo case prevented what could have become another prolonged hostage crisis.