Oyo Abduction: "How 8 Kidnappers Were Arrested, Many Killed," Presidency Reveals Key Details
- Bayo Onanuga confirmed that eight kidnappers were arrested and handed over to the DSS following a rescue operation that freed abducted schoolchildren
- Security agencies neutralised some of the kidnappers during the operation, and a kingpin whose release was demanded by the abductors remains under prosecution
- Onanuga said the government made no concessions to secure the release, adding that a full security briefing would follow
PAY ATTENTION: Find it fast with our new search feature at Legit.ng!
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Oyo State - Eight suspects involved in the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Nigeria have been arrested and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), following a rescue operation conducted by security agencies.
Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that some of the kidnappers were killed during the rescue, while eight others were apprehended and transferred to DSS custody.
Source: Twitter
Onanuga disclosed the development on Friday, July 10, 2026, via his verified X account @aonunuga1956.
The presidential aide stated that the government made no deals to secure the children's freedom.
A kingpin whose release the kidnappers had demanded as a condition for freeing the hostages remains under prosecution for criminal offences, according to the presidential spokesman.
He added that the relevant security agencies would release a comprehensive account of the operation in due course.
No concessions made to Oyo school kidnappers
The statement pushed back firmly against suggestions that any form of exchange had taken place.
"There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, whom the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities"
Reactions as kidnapped Oyo school pupils and teachers are rescued
The announcement drew a range of responses online. @ayobami_oxox welcomed the outcome, writing:
"Well done to the security, armed forces and others involved in rescuing the hostage. I hope it doesn't get politicised and we can face other insecurity issues in the country."
@Dave_TKH struck a more reflective tone:
"I'm happy for them. After spending months in captivity, I sincerely hope they're able to heal and reclaim their lives. The unfortunate reality is that experiences like kidnapping by bandits often leave psychological scars that can last a lifetime."
Not everyone received the update with confidence. @holyemmyjoe challenged the lack of visual evidence:
"Lies, show us the bandits that you arrested. The guy that you arrest for deepfaking TPain voice, you posted, but bandits that kidnapped citizens, you hide their faces."
@LionelKuti10 was equally sceptical:
"Who is this one fooling? We will still hear from the teachers or the students what happened exactly, but you will lie as usual. Name the terrorists and their sponsors."
@AfonjaWar expressed outrage at the broader security situation:
"I am so enraged that I wish I were allowed to carry firearms to face these evil terrorists/bandits; they will all be receiving their 72 virg1nswhom by force now!"
Legit.ng has been tracking the rising wave of banditry and mass kidnappings targeting schools and communities across Nigeria's north-west and north-central regions.
Source: Original
Slain teacher's family reacts to rescue of victims
Recall that the family of Michael Olugbade Oyedokun, killed during the Oriire school abduction in Oyo State, reacted after pupils and teachers were freed on Friday
Oyedokun's niece, Oluwabukolami, said her family could not celebrate alongside others because her uncle would never return home.
Oyedokun and fellow teacher Esiyan Adegboye were killed when gunmen raided three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15
Makinde speaks after rescue of abducted students, teachers
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde publicly thanked President Tinubu and Nigerian security agencies after abducted pupils and teachers were rescued.
Makinde credited service commanders, the police, DSS, and the military for their roles in securing the release of the abductees.
The governor's remarks drew reactions online, including pushback against claims that Tinubu had not engaged with the Oyo abduction crisis.
Source: Legit.ng
