How Intelligence Operation Freed Oyo Pupils, Teachers Without Ransom After 56 Days in Captivity — Ex DSS Operative

A former operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dr. Seyi Adetayo, has revealed that the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State was achieved through intelligence gathering, technology and coordinated security operations rather than ransom payment.

Adetayo disclosed that the operation that secured the freedom of the victims was intelligence driven, adding that security agencies relied on strategic planning and surveillance to locate and rescue the abductees after they spent 56 days in captivity.

The rescued pupils and teachers regained their freedom on Friday, July 10, 2026, after being abducted during an attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.

The former DSS operative, while speaking on TVC News, explained that the criminals behind the abduction were members of an Al Qaeda affiliated terrorist group whose objective was beyond financial gain, claiming that they wanted the Federal Government to release one of their detained leaders.

According to him, the nature of the group and its demands showed that the incident was not a conventional kidnapping case motivated only by ransom, making intelligence coordination and tactical intervention necessary to secure the victims’ freedom.

Adetayo said security agencies had to carefully manage the operation to avoid endangering the lives of the pupils and teachers while working towards ensuring that the victims returned safely.

The rescue operation ended weeks of anxiety for families, teachers, and residents of Oyo State after the attackers stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted pupils and teachers.

The victims were taken from schools located around the Ahoro, Esiele and Yawota communities, with the incident generating nationwide concern and renewed calls for stronger protection of schools across the country.

Before their eventual release, security agencies had repeatedly warned against spreading unverified reports about the victims’ status, saying misinformation could disrupt ongoing rescue efforts.

The Oyo State Police Command had earlier dismissed claims circulating on social media that the victims had been rescued, describing such reports as false and capable of affecting the security operation.

However, after 56 days in captivity, the Presidency announced that the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued by security agencies, bringing relief to their families and communities.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the rescue and stated that security agencies successfully carried out the operation.

Further updates from the Presidency revealed that eight suspected members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation, while some other criminals were neutralised by security forces.

Following their rescue, the victims were taken for medical assessment and support as authorities began arrangements for their reunion with their families.

The Nigerian Army also confirmed that the rescued pupils and teachers were receiving medical attention after the operation, adding that they would be reunited with their loved ones after completing necessary checks.

Adetayo stressed that the success of the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence sharing, technology and cooperation among security agencies in tackling complex security challenges.

He added that modern security operations require accurate intelligence and patience, especially in situations involving vulnerable victims such as schoolchildren.

The rescue has been widely welcomed across Oyo State, with government officials, teachers, parents and residents expressing gratitude to the security agencies involved in bringing the prolonged ordeal to an end.

The development has also renewed discussions on the need to strengthen security around schools and improve intelligence networks to prevent future attacks on educational institutions.

While celebrating the safe return of the victims, authorities have maintained that efforts must continue to identify other members of the criminal network and ensure that those responsible for the attack face justice.

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