How security forces cornered kidnappers and saved Orire pupils

New details have emerged about how security agencies successfully rescued schoolchildren and teachers who were kidnapped from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to security sources, intelligence gathering and military pressure played a major role in the operation.

After several weeks of investigations, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested some wives and children of the kidnappers in different parts of the country.

Sources said the operation was coordinated by a senior DSS official after security forces had blocked possible escape routes and surrounded the kidnappers’ hideout inside the National Park forest.

The family members were taken to Abuja for questioning as part of the investigation.

Security sources revealed that videos of the interrogations somehow reached the kidnappers. This reportedly made them nervous and changed their attitude during negotiations.

One source said the kidnappers became more willing to communicate and stopped disappearing after making demands.

The kidnappers later proposed releasing the abducted children and teachers in exchange for the release of their wives and a guarantee of safe passage.
However, security agencies rejected the offer and insisted that the hostages must be freed first. They also demanded that the kidnappers surrender or face arrest or possible military action.

Investigators believe the arrest of the kidnappers’ family members reduced the chances of the hostages being harmed because the abductors were worried about the safety of their own relatives.
While talks continued, security forces tightened their control around the kidnappers’ hideout.

Another source said the final order to attack the camp was given on Thursday night after intelligence reports confirmed that the hostages were no longer being used as human shields.
The operation was described as quick and well coordinated.

Security forces reportedly used overwhelming firepower and caught the kidnappers by surprise.
Sources added that troops had engaged the criminals in several gun battles before the final assault.

These encounters weakened the group and reduced their ammunition supply.
According to one source, the kidnappers offered less resistance than expected during the final operation because they had already been weakened.

During the rescue mission, many kidnappers were killed and eight were arrested. Although some members of the rescue team suffered casualties, all surviving schoolchildren and teachers were rescued safely.

Security sources said the decision to launch the final assault was influenced by lessons learned from the abduction of retired Major General Abubakar Rabbe in Katsina State.

Officials said that experience reinforced the belief that, in some cases, carefully planned rescue operations based on reliable intelligence can be more effective than prolonged negotiations with heavily armed criminal groups.