The Presidency has confirmed that eight suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of 46 pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) following the successful rescue of all the victims.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the development in a follow up statement after announcing that security agencies had successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers, bringing their 56 day captivity to an end.
According to Onanuga, the rescue operation resulted in the arrest of eight members of the kidnapping gang, while several other suspects were killed during the operation.
He also dismissed reports suggesting the victims were freed through negotiations or a prisoner exchange, stressing that no concessions were made to secure their release.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue,” Onanuga stated, explaining that one of the terrorist kingpins whose release was reportedly demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is currently facing prosecution for terrorism related offences.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed attackers invaded three schools in the Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers during the coordinated attack. The incident sparked nationwide outrage and intensified calls for improved security in schools.
Onanuga said security agencies will provide a detailed account of the rescue operation in due course, including further information on the arrests and how the victims were safely recovered.
