More facts have emerged on the rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity of their abductors.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that some of the abductors were neutralised during the operation while eight others has been arrested and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga made the disclosure in an update on his verified X handle on Friday after he announced the victims’ release.
He said no concession was made to the terrorists to secure the freedom of the abducted pupils and their teachers.
Onanuga explained that the kingpin whose release the kidnappers had demanded was neither freed nor spared, as he remains under prosecution for offences linked to his terrorist activities.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has expressed joy over the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted saying eight of the abductors were arrested while others were neutralised in a joint operation by security forces.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” Tinubu said.
He commended the military, the DSS and the police for working round the clock to secure the release without any collateral damage.
The President said the successful operation had ended a standoff of over 50 days and brought relief to the nation and the affected families.
“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular.
“On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers,” he added.
Tinubu regretted the anguish suffered by the children, their teachers, families and the entire nation since the abduction.
He also promised that his government would get justice for the victims and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.
The President commended the Oyo State Government for cooperating with the Federal Government and charged it to ensure adequate security around schools across the state.
He further directed emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical and relief support to the rescued children and teachers.