Eight suspects involved in the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oyo State have been arrested and handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) following a rescue operation by security agencies. Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that some kidnappers were neutralized during the operation, while eight others were apprehended and transferred to DSS custody.
Presidency Confirms No Concessions Made
Onanuga disclosed the development on Friday, July 10, 2026, via his verified X account @aonanuga1956. He stated that the government made no deals to secure the children's freedom. A kingpin whose release the kidnappers had demanded as a condition for freeing the hostages remains under prosecution for criminal offences. He added that relevant security agencies would release a comprehensive account of the operation in due course.
The statement pushed back firmly against suggestions that any form of exchange had taken place. "There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, whom the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities," Onanuga said.
Public Reactions to the Rescue
The announcement drew a range of responses online. @ayobami_oxox welcomed the outcome, writing: "Well done to the security, armed forces and others involved in rescuing the hostage. I hope it doesn't get politicised and we can face other insecurity issues in the country."
@Dave_TKH struck a more reflective tone: "I'm happy for them. After spending months in captivity, I sincerely hope they're able to heal and reclaim their lives. The unfortunate reality is that experiences like kidnapping by bandits often leave psychological scars that can last a lifetime."
Not everyone received the update with confidence. @holyemmyjoe challenged the lack of visual evidence: "Lies, show us the bandits that you arrested. The guy that you arrest for deepfaking TPain voice, you posted, but bandits that kidnapped citizens, you hide their faces."
@LionelKuti10 was equally sceptical: "Who is this one fooling? We will still hear from the teachers or the students what happened exactly, but you will lie as usual. Name the terrorists and their sponsors."
@AfonjaWar expressed outrage at the broader security situation: "I am so enraged that I wish I were allowed to carry firearms to face these evil terrorists/bandits; they will all be receiving their 72 virg1ns by force now!"
Broader Context of Banditry in Nigeria
Legit.ng has been tracking the rising wave of banditry and mass kidnappings targeting schools and communities across Nigeria's north-west and north-central regions. The rescue operation in Oyo State marks a significant success for security forces, but concerns remain about the psychological impact on victims and the broader security challenges facing the nation.
