A former operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), Seyi Adetayo, has revealed details of the intelligence strategy reportedly deployed to secure the freedom of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
Naijaonpoint reports that Adetayo said the operation succeeded without the payment of ransom or the release of any detained terrorist demanded by the kidnappers.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News on Friday, the former DSS officer said security agencies gathered intelligence on the abductors, their relatives, associates, supply routes and hideouts before mounting sustained pressure on the group.
He said the coordinated operation weakened the kidnappers’ support network and eventually compelled them to release the victims.
Adetayo disclosed that security personnel identified individuals closely connected to the suspected kidnappers, including their mothers, wives, children and other associates.
According to him, some of the relatives were arrested, filmed and shown to the abductors as part of efforts to pressure them into releasing the schoolchildren and teachers.
“They identified the kidnappers’ mothers, wives, children, and close associates. They arrested them, recorded videos, and sent them to the abductors,” he said.
The former security operative explained that the strategy formed part of a wider intelligence-led effort aimed at dismantling the network that sustained the kidnappers while they held the victims.
Adetayo said the operatives also disrupted the abductors’ logistics, blocked possible escape routes and cut off supplies to their camps.
He added that security agencies combined pressure tactics with negotiations to ensure the victims were released alive. According to him, the kidnappers eventually lost the support system needed to continue holding the pupils and teachers.
He maintained that the operation ended without ransom payment or prisoner exchange.
Adetayo’s account followed the Presidency’s confirmation that the pupils and teachers were rescued alive during a coordinated security operation.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said eight suspects were arrested and taken into DSS custody, while several other members of the group were killed.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised,” Onanuga said.
He added that the government did not agree to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of one of their detained leaders.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, whose release the kidnappers demanded, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” he said.
Following their release, the pupils and teachers expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies involved in the operation.
In a video released by the Presidency, one of the victims thanked the President for the efforts made to secure their freedom.
“We are grateful, Mr President, sir. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see it in your heart. Thank you very much,” the victim said.
