By Newshawk Nigeria
The Federal Government has disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State have been arrested, while several others were killed during the operation that secured the victims’ release.
The update was provided on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his X account, hours after announcing that all the abducted pupils and teachers had regained their freedom.
According to Onanuga, the operation led to the arrest of eight suspects, who are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while security forces neutralised some members of the kidnapping gang during the rescue mission.
He also dismissed speculation that the government negotiated with the kidnappers or agreed to any of their demands in exchange for the victims’ release.
“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,” Onanuga wrote.
The clarification comes amid reports that the kidnappers had demanded the release of a detained terrorist leader, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related laws before freeing the captives.
The Oyo State Government had consistently maintained that it would not pay ransom to secure the victims’ freedom.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, after gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Orire Local Government Area.
At least 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were taken during the coordinated attacks. During the incident, teacher Joel Adesiyan was killed while attempting to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded in captivity.
The mass abduction triggered widespread public outrage and prompted the Nigeria Union of Teachers to embark on a month-long strike in Oyo State, demanding the safe return of the victims.
Security agencies are expected to provide a detailed briefing on the rescue operation and the arrests in the coming days.
