Oyo Pupils and Teachers Freed Without Ransom as Ex-DSS Operative Reveals Details of 56-Day Rescue Operation
A former operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), Seyi Adetayo, has revealed how security agencies successfully secured the release of abducted pupils and teachers from Oyo State after 56 days in captivity without paying any ransom or agreeing to a prisoner exchange.
The victims, who were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, regained their freedom following what authorities described as an intelligence-driven operation involving multiple security agencies. The rescue brought relief to families, residents and the nation after nearly two months of uncertainty.
According to Adetayo, the operation was built on sustained intelligence gathering, close surveillance and relentless pressure on the kidnappers rather than negotiations involving ransom payments. He explained that security operatives carefully tracked the movements of the abductors, limiting their ability to move freely and forcing them into increasingly difficult conditions.
The former DSS operative said the consistent military and intelligence operations weakened the kidnappers’ capacity to hold the victims indefinitely. He noted that as security forces intensified their pursuit, the abductors found it increasingly difficult to obtain supplies, relocate safely or evade detection, ultimately leading to the successful rescue of the captives.
The Presidency also confirmed that no ransom was paid to secure the release of the pupils and teachers. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that security agencies rejected the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a detained terrorist kingpin who is currently facing prosecution. He stressed that there was no negotiation involving a prisoner swap or any other concession.
During the operation, security operatives arrested eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised. The suspects are currently in the custody of the DSS as investigations continue. Authorities have indicated that more details of the rescue operation will be made public after ongoing investigations are concluded.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended the military, the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force and other intelligence agencies for their professionalism and determination throughout the operation. He praised them for securing the release of the victims after weeks of coordinated efforts while minimising further casualties.
The President also expressed sympathy to the rescued pupils, teachers and their families for the trauma they endured during captivity. He assured Nigerians that those responsible for the abduction and the killing of one of the teachers would face justice. He further directed relevant agencies to provide medical care, counselling and other necessary support to the victims as they begin their recovery.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed terrorists attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School in Oriire Local Government Area. In the attack, 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken into captivity, while one teacher was reportedly killed shortly after the abduction. The incident sparked nationwide condemnation and renewed concerns about the security of schools across Nigeria.
The successful rescue has been welcomed by residents, parents and political leaders, many of whom described it as a significant victory for Nigeria’s security agencies. Analysts say the operation demonstrates the importance of intelligence-led security operations and sustained pressure on criminal groups instead of yielding to ransom demands.
Security experts have also argued that refusing ransom payments deprives criminal networks of financial resources that could be used to fund future attacks. They, however, stressed the need for stronger security around schools, improved intelligence gathering and closer collaboration between security agencies and local communities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
About the Author
