Kidnappers Arrested As Ogbomoso School Victims Freed

The Presidency has confirmed that security forces arrested eight suspected kidnappers and neutralised others during the successful rescue of abducted teachers and pupils in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, announced the update on Friday through his 𝕏 account. He said the eight suspects are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while security agencies will provide a full account of the operation.

According to Onanuga, the Ogbomoso rescue operation involved no negotiation or exchange with the kidnappers. He stated that one of the gang’s leaders, whose release the kidnappers reportedly demanded, remains in custody and is facing prosecution for alleged crimes. He added that the Ogbomoso rescue operation dealt a significant blow to the criminal group, with several suspects arrested and others neutralised.

Onanuga wrote, “Updated: 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 full account soon.”

Earlier, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa disclosed that the kidnappers threatened to kill the abducted teachers and pupils if security personnel attempted a rescue. He explained that the group allegedly wanted to pressure the government into releasing some of its detained commanders.

Musa said the abductors viewed the victims as bargaining tools because security forces were holding some of their leaders. The Ogbomoso rescue operation ended with the safe recovery of the captives, while investigations and further security actions continue.

What additional measures could help prevent future school abductions and improve security in vulnerable communities?