Thirty-eight churchgoers abducted last Tuesday in Eruku, Kwara State, have been safely released following a coordinated operation by Nigeria’s security agencies, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has confirmed. The victims were freed on Sunday, November 23, after intervention from both the Department of State Security (DSS) and the military.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV on November 24, Onanuga explained that the security operatives directly engaged the kidnappers, compelling them to release the captives. He said the bandits had no option but to comply, fully aware of the consequences of defying government directives. According to Onanuga, the operation leveraged real-time monitoring systems that allow security agencies to track criminal activity and respond swiftly to unfolding situations.
“They made contact with the kidnappers to secure the release of the captives. Security agencies have systems in place to monitor these criminals in real time. The bandits complied with the directive because they understood the serious repercussions of noncompliance,” Onanuga said.
The successful rescue highlights the critical role of collaboration between military and intelligence agencies in protecting citizens and tackling the rising challenge of abductions in Nigeria. The swift release of the Eruku churchgoers demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated security strategies in responding to high-risk incidents.