Updated: Eight Arrested, Several Kidnappers Killed as Security Forces Rescue Oyo Pupils, Teachers

Fresh details have emerged on the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with the Presidency revealing that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were neutralised during the operation.

The update came hours after the Federal Government announced that all the victims had regained their freedom after spending about 56 days in captivity.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the latest development in an update posted on his verified X account on Friday.

According to him, the rescue operation also led to the arrest of eight members of the kidnapping gang, who are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

He added that security operatives killed some of the kidnappers during the operation.

“Updated: 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 wrote.

He also dismissed suggestions that the government negotiated with the kidnappers or granted any concession to secure the victims’ release.

“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities,” he stated.

Onanuga added that security agencies would provide a comprehensive account of the operation in due course.

The Presidency had earlier announced that all the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued, bringing to an end nearly two months of uncertainty after they were seized by gunmen during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.

The victims were abducted when heavily armed attackers invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities.

The incident claimed the life of a teacher during the attack, while another victim was later reported to have been killed in captivity, drawing widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over attacks on schools.

Following the abduction, President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to intensify rescue efforts, leading to coordinated operations involving the Nigeria Police Force, the military, the DSS and other security agencies.

Throughout the operation, the government repeatedly assured families that efforts to rescue the victims were ongoing, while security agencies cautioned against false reports claiming the hostages had already regained their freedom.

The latest disclosure that eight suspects have been arrested and several others killed provides the first official insight into how the rescue was carried out, with more operational details expected from security agencies.