A former operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dr. Seyi Adetayo, has revealed that intelligence-led operations, combined with sustained pressure on the support network of kidnappers, played a key role in securing the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims, who were kidnapped by terrorists on May 15, 2026, were rescued alive after spending 56 days in captivity following a coordinated security operation involving multiple security agencies.

Speaking during an interview on TVC News on Friday, Adetayo explained that security agencies relied on intelligence gathering to identify the terrorists, dismantle their networks, disrupt their logistics channels, and mount pressure that eventually forced the release of the victims without payment of ransom or prisoner exchange.

The rescue operation, conducted on July 10, 2026, was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General CR Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), including the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). The operation also involved personnel from the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army Special Forces, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, DSS, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilantes, hunters, and Amotekun operatives.

Adetayo said the over one-month intelligence operation focused on identifying the masterminds behind the abduction, dismantling their criminal networks, and cutting off their logistics and informant structures within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, where the terrorists were believed to have operated.

Our team observed that the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) sorties provided critical intelligence support to security forces during the operation, playing an integral role in locating and facilitating the rescue of the abducted victims.

Adetayo further disclosed that security operatives identified close associates and relatives of the kidnappers, including family members, as part of a strategy to weaken the support structure sustaining the criminal group. Some individuals linked to the suspects were reportedly arrested, with their identities and messages used to mount pressure on the abductors.

According to him, security agencies also blocked supply routes and escape channels while combining targeted operations with negotiations to secure the safe release of the victims.

The Presidency had earlier confirmed that the pupils and teachers were rescued alive during a coordinated security operation. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were neutralised during the operation.

Onanuga stated that the rescue was achieved without granting the kidnappers’ demands, including their request for the release of one of their detained leaders facing prosecution over alleged criminal activities.

Following their rescue, the victims expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for their efforts.

In a video released by the Presidency, one of the rescued victims said: “We are grateful, Mr President. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us.”

President Tinubu also commended the security agencies involved in the operation, praising their coordination and commitment to ensuring the safe recovery of the abducted pupils and teachers.