The Presidency has revealed that eight suspected kidnappers have been arrested, while several others were killed during the operation that led to the successful rescue of the teachers and pupils abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
The development was disclosed on Friday by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post shared on his official 𝕏 account.
According to Onanuga, the arrested suspects are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while security agencies are expected to provide a comprehensive account of the operation in due course.
The presidential spokesman dismissed suggestions that the hostages were freed through a negotiated exchange, insisting that the Federal Government did not strike any deal with the kidnappers.
He explained that one of the key demands made by the abductors was the release of one of their notorious commanders currently facing prosecution, but the government refused to yield to the request.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. 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. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” Onanuga stated.
Kidnappers Sought Release Of Their Commander
The latest disclosure comes after the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, revealed that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the abducted pupils and teachers if security forces attempted a rescue operation.
Also Read: Watch video of released Oyo schoolchildren, teachers rejoicing after weeks in captivity
Speaking in a preview of an interview with News Central, the minister explained that the criminals were using the victims as bargaining chips in an effort to secure the freedom of some of their detained leaders.
According to him, the kidnappers believed abducting schoolchildren and teachers would pressure the government into releasing one of their commanders currently in security custody.
“For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander,” the minister said.
The successful rescue operation has been hailed as a major breakthrough, with authorities maintaining that the government will not negotiate with terrorists or exchange detained suspects for hostages.