Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga says a non-kinetic operation by security agencies led to the safe release of 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State, on 18 November.
The victims were freed on Sunday, 23 November, days after President Bola Tinubu received a security briefing from the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, on escalating nationwide security concerns.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, Onanuga disclosed that both the DSS and the military established contact with the abductors to secure the release without casualties.
“After the incident, the DSS and the military were involved in the rescue effort. They got in contact with the bandits to release the captives unharmed,” he said. “They were able to get them out unharmed. The agencies have ways of tracking and reaching these people.”
Onanuga noted that the kidnappers cooperated because they understood the consequences of defying security agencies. “They know they could be pummelled,” he added.
He also explained that a kinetic, force-based operation would have been dangerous, as terrorists often use abductees as human shields, increasing the risk of civilian casualties.
“Attacking their base could be risky because you can kill civilians,” he said.
The presidential aide added that the military will determine the next course of action concerning the kidnappers now that the hostages have been rescued.
