A former operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), Seyi Adetayo, has revealed how Nigerian security agencies turned one of the terrorists’ most notorious tactics against kidnappers to secure the release of 44 abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
According to Adetayo, rather than yielding to the kidnappers’ demands, operatives mounted an intelligence-driven operation that targeted the criminals’ support network by taking into custody their mothers, wives, children and other close associates, piling psychological pressure on the gang until it released the captives.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News on Friday, the former DSS detective described the operation as a strategic reversal of the hostage-taking methods commonly associated with terrorist groups.
“They identified the kidnappers’ mothers, wives, children and close associates. They arrested them, recorded videos and sent them to the abductors,” Adetayo said.
He explained that intelligence gathering formed the backbone of the operation, enabling security agencies to identify key members of the kidnappers’ family and support network.
According to him, operatives also cut off the gang’s supply routes and escape corridors while combining sustained negotiations with calculated coercive measures to force the kidnappers into releasing their victims.
Adetayo said the strategy ultimately secured the freedom of all the pupils and teachers without the payment of ransom or the release of any detained suspect demanded by the abductors.
His disclosure came shortly after the Presidency announced the successful rescue of the victims, who were kidnapped from communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while several others were killed.
He stressed that the government refused to accede to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of one of their detained leaders.
“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.
“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,” Onanuga said.
Following their rescue, the pupils and teachers expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for ending their nearly two-month ordeal.
In a video released by the Presidency, one of the victims thanked the president for his commitment to securing 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.
President Tinubu also commended the security agencies for the successful operation, describing the safe rescue of the pupils and teachers as a major achievement in the fight against kidnapping.
