Eight kidnappers arrested, several killed during Oyo pupils rescue

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were arrested during the rescue operation, while several others were killed.

Onanuga made the disclosure on Friday in a post on his verified X account, providing further details of the security operation that led to the victims' release after 56 days in captivity.

According to him, the eight suspects are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while security operatives also neutralised some members of the criminal gang during the operation.

"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," Onanuga wrote.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when suspected bandits attacked three schools in Ahoro, Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, taking pupils and teachers into the forest.

Their release was announced on Friday after an intensive security operation coordinated by the Federal Government following directives from President Bola Tinubu to ensure their safe return.

Onanuga's latest disclosure also dismisses speculation that the victims were freed through a prisoner swap, stressing that the Federal Government did not negotiate the release of the suspected kingpin demanded by the abductors, who remains on trial for alleged criminal offences.

Security agencies are expected to provide a comprehensive briefing on the operation in the coming days.