A former Assistant Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mohammed Ngoshe, has disclosed that sustained pressure from security forces compelled the kidnappers of pupils and teachers in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area to release their captives.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Ngoshe commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue operation, urging Nigerians to recognise their efforts instead of questioning the operation.
He dismissed claims that authorities lacked transparency, stressing that the most important outcome was the safe return of the victims.
According to him, security operatives strategically surrounded the kidnappers’ hideout, cut off their supply routes and dismantled their network of informants, leaving the criminals with limited options.
He explained that the terrorists were denied access to food, weapons and intelligence, while security agencies took control of the surrounding communities to prevent any external assistance.
Ngoshe said the kidnappers hoped to negotiate an escape route but failed because security operatives refused to compromise during the operation.
He added that videos showing the progress of the security operation were relayed to the kidnappers, convincing them that resistance was no longer sustainable.
The former DSS official also disclosed that three security personnel lost their lives after stepping on improvised explosive devices (IEDs) while troops tightened the siege around the criminals.
According to him, the kidnappers eventually released the abducted pupils and teachers after realising they could no longer withstand the intense pressure from security forces.
Following the victims’ release, security personnel continued their offensive against the remaining terrorists.
The rescue mission followed the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that sparked widespread concern and prompted a coordinated response by multiple security agencies.
