Oyo abduction: Presidency says eight kidnappers arrested, others killed

The Presidency has confirmed that eight suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been arrested, while others were killed during a rescue operation.

According to the Presidency, the arrested suspects are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), and no concessions were made to secure the release of the victims.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a follow-up post on his verified X account on Friday, shortly after announcing the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Onanuga also dismissed claims that the Federal Government agreed to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a suspected kingpin, stating that the individual remains in custody and is being prosecuted for terrorism-related offences.

“During the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some were neutralised,” he stated.

“There was no quid pro quo. One of the terrorists — a kingpin whose release was demanded — remains in custody and is facing prosecution for his crimes.”

He added that security agencies would provide a comprehensive account of the operation in due course.

The abduction had earlier sparked widespread fear across affected communities after armed men invaded schools and nearby areas, abducting pupils, teachers, and other residents.