Oyo Abduction: Why We Delayed Rescue Operations Despite Criticism — IGP Disu

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has explained why security agencies delayed rescue operations during the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the decision was taken to prevent casualties among the victims.

Disu made the disclosure on Thursday while hosting leadership delegations from the National Defence College (NDC) and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

According to the IGP, security agencies endured intense public criticism throughout the 56-day operation but deliberately resisted pressure to launch hasty rescue efforts that could have endangered the lives of the abducted pupils and teachers.

He explained that the difficult terrain where the victims were held significantly complicated the rescue mission.

“There is no network at all in that area. Even the police station is far from there. There is only one road that leads to the location of this kidnap,” Disu said.

The police chief disclosed that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the military, local vigilantes and air support units immediately pursued the kidnappers after the attack.

“Policemen, soldiers and vigilantes came. We followed them. Somebody was even shot while we followed them. We kept chasing that day and night. The Nigerian Air Force and even the Police Air Wing were also there. It took time before we finally saw where they were,” he recalled.

Disu said many Nigerians criticised the security agencies over the prolonged operation, but investigators could not reveal operational details that might have jeopardised the rescue mission.

“Everybody was attacking us. We could not come out and talk and expose those children,” he said.

He stressed that the operation was carefully planned to avoid what security experts describe as collateral damage.

“There is something we call collateral damage. People were comparing us to other nations. They wanted us to take hasty decisions,” he added.

The IGP also revealed that numerous strategic meetings and intelligence sessions were held throughout the operation but could not be made public for security reasons.

Gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15, abducting pupils, students and teachers.

The victims regained their freedom on July 10 after a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the military, police, DSS, NSCDC, the Office of the National Security Adviser, Amotekun Corps and local hunters.