Security officials have confirmed that suspects linked to the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, South-West Nigeria along with some of their family members, are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, following the operation that secured the victims’ freedom after 56 days in captivity.
Earlier, the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the rescue operation, while several others were neutralised.
He said the operation ended without any concessions to the abductors, despite their demand for the release of one of their kingpins, who is already facing prosecution for previous criminal offences.
According to Onanuga, all 46 abducted pupils and teachers were rescued safely through a coordinated operation by security agencies, adding that the agencies will provide a comprehensive account of the mission in due course.
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The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, killing a teacher and taking dozens of pupils and teachers into captivity.
The successful rescue brings to an end one of the country’s most closely monitored mass school kidnapping cases in recent months.
Security officials say investigations are continuing as operatives work to identify and apprehend other members of the kidnapping network, while those already arrested remain in DSS custody pending further action.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
