The Presidency has confirmed that all the schoolchildren, teachers and women abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued by security agencies.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the development on Friday through a post on his verified X account, describing the operation as a major breakthrough by security agencies.
According to him, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the rescue operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services. He added that some other suspects were killed during the Oyo operation.
Victims rescued without ransom exchange
Mr Onanuga stated that the victims were rescued without any exchange or concession being granted to the kidnappers.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities,” he said.
He added that security agencies would provide additional details about the operation at a later time.
How the abduction happened
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men attacked schools in the Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The attackers abducted 46 pupils, teachers, and a school principal, causing widespread fear and outrage across Oyo State and beyond.
During the period of captivity, one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers.
Rescued victims express gratitude
Following their rescue, the Presidency released a video showing some of the victims thanking Bola Tinubu and the security personnel involved in the operation.
“We are grateful, Mr President, sir. We are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us,” one of the rescued victims said.
The victims also expressed appreciation to the security operatives, saying their efforts made it possible for everyone to return home in Oyo State safely.
Security agencies praised
The successful operation has been welcomed by many Nigerians, with praise directed at the DSS and other security agencies involved in the rescue mission.
The rescue comes amid ongoing concerns over kidnapping and attacks on schools in parts of the country, particularly in rural communities where security challenges have persisted.
For now, the rescued pupils, teachers and women have been reunited with their families, while investigations continue into the activities of the arrested suspects and other members of the kidnapping network.
Further updates are expected from the security agencies as more details of the operation become public.
For official updates from the Presidency, visit the Nigerian Presidency’s verified channels and statements released through the Office of the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
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According to the Presidency, the rescue operation was confirmed by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga in a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account. You can view the official update here: https://x.com/aonanuga1956
