A retired DSS operative Seyo Adetayo says intelligence-led operations, strategic arrests and pressure on kidnappers forced the release of abducted Oyo pupils and teachers after 56 days without ransom or prisoner exchange. Speaking during a television interview, Adetayo said intelligence gathering remained the key factor that led to the successful rescue of the victims after […]
A retired DSS operative Seyo Adetayo says intelligence-led operations, strategic arrests and pressure on kidnappers forced the release of abducted Oyo pupils and teachers after 56 days without ransom or prisoner exchange.
Speaking during a television interview, Adetayo said intelligence gathering remained the key factor that led to the successful rescue of the victims after nearly two months in captivity.
He explained that investigators traced the kidnappers’ relatives, including their wives, mothers, children and close associates, to weaken the criminal network.
According to him, security operatives arrested the relatives, recorded video clips of them and forwarded the footage to the abductors as part of efforts to compel them to release the victims.
He also disclosed that authorities blocked the kidnappers’ supply chain and escape routes while deploying a combination of intelligence and negotiations throughout the operation.
Adetayo said the coordinated strategy eventually forced the abductors to release the pupils and teachers without collecting ransom or securing the release of any detained gang member.
The revelation followed the Presidency’s announcement that all the victims had been rescued alive during a joint security operation.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, while others were neutralised, adding that authorities rejected the kidnappers’ demand for the release of one of their leaders.
The rescued pupils and teachers later thanked President Bola Tinubu and security personnel for ensuring their safe return to their families.