Why Oyo Pupils Spent 56 Days In Captivity Before Rescue — IGP Disu

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has explained why security agencies delayed the rescue operation of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the priority was to avoid putting the lives of the victims at greater risk through a rushed intervention.

Disu said security agencies faced intense pressure from Nigerians who demanded immediate action, but officers had to carefully plan the operation because any wrong move could have resulted in collateral damage and possible loss of innocent lives.

The IGP explained that the rescue mission required intelligence gathering, tracking of the abductors’ movements, identifying their hideouts and understanding the terrain before security forces could launch an operation that would guarantee the safe return of the victims.

The abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire were held for 56 days after gunmen attacked schools in the area, with a total of 39 pupils and seven teachers initially reported missing following the incident.

Security agencies later carried out a coordinated intelligence led operation involving the military, police, Department of State Services and other security formations, leading to the rescue of the victims after weeks in captivity.

The Nigerian Army had earlier disclosed that the operation focused on dismantling the kidnappers’ networks, identifying their commanders, destroying their logistics channels and applying pressure that eventually forced the terrorists to release the captives.

Disu said security agencies deliberately avoided revealing sensitive details about the operation while it was ongoing because such information could have alerted the criminals and endangered both the victims and the personnel involved in the rescue mission.

The police chief acknowledged that security authorities received criticism during the 56 day period, but insisted that the safety of the abducted children and teachers remained the most important consideration throughout the operation.

He noted that rescue operations involving terrorists require patience, coordination and accurate intelligence, stressing that a poorly planned approach could lead to tragic consequences similar to situations where hostages are harmed during rushed interventions.

The rescue operation was eventually successful, with the victims freed and security agencies arresting some suspects linked to the abduction while continuing investigations into the criminal network behind the attack.

The development has renewed discussions on Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy, particularly the balance between responding quickly to public demands and ensuring that rescue missions are executed in a manner that protects victims and security personnel.

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