How abducted Oyo pupils, teachers were freed without ransom — Ex-DSS operative

A former operative of the Department of State Services, DSS, Seyi Adetayo, has disclosed how security operatives secured the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.

Adetayo made the disclosure during an interview on TVC News on Friday, where he attributed the successful rescue to intelligence-led operations that dismantled the kidnappers’ support network.

According to him, security operatives identified the abductors’ mothers, wives, children and other close associates as part of efforts to pressure the kidnappers into releasing the victims.

He said the relatives were apprehended, while videos recorded during the operation were sent to the kidnappers as part of the strategy that eventually secured the victims’ freedom.

“They identified the kidnappers’ mothers, wives, children and close associates. They arrested them, recorded videos and sent them to the abductors,” Adetayo said.

The former DSS operative explained that security forces also cut off the kidnappers’ supply routes and escape channels while combining intelligence-driven tactics with negotiations throughout the operation.

He said the coordinated efforts ultimately led to the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity without the payment of ransom or a prisoner exchange.