The Inspector-General of Police has explained why it took security agencies 56 days to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the operation was deliberately paced to safeguard the lives of the hostages.
The victims, who were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on three schools on May 15, regained their freedom after an intelligence-led operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies.
According to the Inspector-General, the prolonged operation was driven by the need to avoid actions that could have endangered the captives, as intelligence indicated that the abductors had threatened to kill the victims if security forces launched a premature assault. The strategy, he said, focused on gathering actionable intelligence, tracking the kidnappers’ network, and dismantling their operational base before carrying out the rescue.
The rescue mission eventually led to the safe recovery of the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity. Security operatives also arrested eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised during the operation. Authorities maintained that no ransom was paid and no concessions were made to secure the victims’ release.
The abduction had sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the security of schools, with parents, civil society groups and labour unions demanding urgent government intervention throughout the victims’ captivity.
Security officials described the operation as one of the most complex hostage rescue missions in recent years, crediting its success to sustained intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and carefully coordinated tactical planning.
While the successful rescue has been widely welcomed, the incident has once again highlighted the growing challenge of insecurity and the urgent need for stronger measures to protect schools and vulnerable communities across the country.
