Revealed: Ex-DSS Chief Reveals How Security Forces Forced Oyo School Kidnappers to Free Abducted Pupils
By Aliyu Oyewole
A former Assistant Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mohammed Ngoshe, has revealed how a coordinated security operation forced the kidnappers of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to release their captives after their hideout was surrounded and all supply routes were cut off.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Ngoshe praised the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue mission, urging Nigerians to commend the operatives rather than criticise the handling of the operation.
According to him, the rescue was the result of a carefully planned operation in which security forces isolated the terrorists’ location, blocked access to food, weapons and intelligence, and dismantled their network of informants.
“There was a congregation of security forces, and positions were taken after the location was isolated. The whole community around that place was dominated,” Ngoshe said.
“They were denied access to food. They were denied access to weapons. Their informants were taken out and used as assets. Videos of all these operations were ferried to them, and they saw that they had no option but to surrender.”
He explained that the kidnappers sought a way out after finding themselves under intense pressure but were denied any form of negotiation or relief by the security agencies.
“Now the problem to them was how to resolve the matter amicably. They wanted a lifeline, and that lifeline did not come because the security forces did not accede to it,” he stated.
Ngoshe disclosed that the operation came at a heavy cost, revealing that three security personnel lost their lives after stepping on improvised explosive devices (IEDs) while closing in on the kidnappers’ camp.
“It was in the process of closing in on them after they were encircled that three personnel from the police, army and other security services stepped on IEDs and were killed,” he said.
According to the former DSS chief, the terrorists eventually released the abducted pupils and teachers after realising they could no longer withstand the sustained pressure from the security forces.
“So getting to the level where they were to be annihilated completely, they gave out the children thinking that would resolve the matter. After the children were successfully recovered, the forces engaged them,” he added.
Ngoshe also dismissed claims that the government and security agencies were not transparent about the rescue operation, insisting that the focus should be on recognising the professionalism and sacrifice of the security personnel who secured the victims’ freedom.
The successful rescue brought an end to weeks of anxiety following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that sparked nationwide concern and prompted a large-scale security operation.
