Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has explained why security agencies took 56 days to rescue pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Disu said security operatives deliberately avoided rushing into the rescue operation to prevent exposing the victims to greater danger.
According to him, security agencies faced intense public pressure to act immediately but chose a cautious approach to avoid collateral damage.
“There is something they call collateral damage. People were forcing us. People were comparing us to other countries in the world. They wanted us to take hasty decisions,” he said.
Disu disclosed that security agencies held several strategy meetings and kept details of the operation confidential to prevent the kidnappers from gaining information that could jeopardise the mission.
He noted that the attackers abducted the victims after invading schools in the area, using a teacher’s vehicle to flee before setting it ablaze near the forest.
The police chief added that the operation was complicated by the remote location of the communities, poor communication network and limited access routes, but security personnel continued tracking the kidnappers until the victims were rescued.
He commended the police, military, local vigilantes and other security agencies involved in the operation, saying their coordinated efforts led to the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
