The special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has confirmed that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military secured the release of 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara through a non-kinetic approach.
The victims were abducted on November 18 from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku community.
Following the abduction, Tinubu was briefed on November 21 by DSS director-general, Adeola Ajayi, regarding the abduction and broader security concerns affecting the nation.
By November 23, the president announced that all captives had been released unharmed.
Onanuga, explained that security agencies contacted the terrorists, monitored developments in real time, and persuaded them to release the victims.
“Security agencies have systems for tracking these criminals, allowing them to monitor developments in real time.
“They reached out to the kidnappers and demanded the release of the victims, and they complied, aware of the consequences of defying government directives,” Onanuga said.
He noted that a kinetic approach was deliberately avoided because terrorists often use hostages as human shields, a strategy that could have resulted in civilian casualties.
“Attacking their base could be risky because you can kill the civilians,” he stated.
The presidential aide said the military will decide the next line of action regarding the terrorists, while emphasizing the coordination between the DSS and military throughout the rescue to ensure the safety of the abductees.
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