Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has explained why security operatives did not launch an immediate rescue operation after pupils and teachers were kidnapped in Oyo State, saying any rushed action could have put the captives at greater risk.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, the police chief said security agencies came under heavy public criticism while the victims remained in captivity, but insisted restraint was necessary to protect their lives.
According to him, the kidnappers attacked two schools before escaping into a forest with the victims, making the rescue operation particularly challenging.
“I will share with you the incident of the Ogbomosho kidnap. That day, they came. Two schools they went to and kidnapped those children and their teachers.
“They used the vehicle of one of the teachers, the head teacher. When they got to the entrance of the bush that they were going to, they set fire to the vehicle. We didn’t know why they did it,” Disu said.
The IGP noted that the affected communities posed significant operational challenges because of their location and poor infrastructure.
He explained that communication was difficult as there was no mobile network in the area, while police formations were located far from the communities.
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“In that area, there is no network at all, at all. And I think even police stations are far from them. But they had only one street, one road that goes to the two villages where this kidnap happened,” he added.
The abduction occurred in May 2026 when armed men invaded schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and took away dozens of pupils and members of staff.
The victims were released after spending 56 days in captivity following a joint operation by multiple security agencies.