A former Assistant Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mohammed Ngoshe, has revealed how security forces compelled kidnappers of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to release their captives.

Ngoshe disclosed that the criminals were forced into submission after security operatives surrounded their hideout and cut off their supply channels.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, he commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue operation, urging Nigerians to appreciate their efforts.

He dismissed criticisms that the government and security agencies lacked transparency, stressing that the focus should be on commending the forces for securing the victims’ freedom.

“Now that the matter has become public, it cannot be swept under the carpet.

However, this is not the time for such criticisms. We should be eulogising the security services for doing their job effectively,” Ngoshe said.

Explaining the operation, he noted that security personnel isolated the kidnappers’ location, blocked access to essential supplies and dismantled their network of informants.

According to him, the intense pressure left the kidnappers searching for a way out.

“The problem for them was how to resolve the situation. They wanted a lifeline, but the security forces did not accede to it,” he added.

Ngoshe further explained that security forces dominated the surrounding area, restricting the movement of the criminals.

“They were denied access to food and weapons. Their informants were tracked and turned into assets. Visual evidence of these operations was relayed to them, leaving them with no option but to surrender,” he stated.

He also revealed that three security personnel lost their lives after stepping on improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the operation.

“It was in the process of closing in on them that three personnel from the police, army and other services were killed by IEDs,” he said.

According to Ngoshe, the kidnappers eventually released the children after realising they could no longer withstand the pressure.

“As they faced the possibility of total annihilation, they released the children, hoping it would resolve the situation.

 

After the victims were secured, the forces engaged them,” he added.

The rescue operation followed the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, which had sparked widespread concern and prompted a coordinated response by security agencies.