Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has revealed how Nigeria’s security agencies relied on precision intelligence and controlled engagement to secure the release of 38 abducted worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
Speaking on Monday, Onanuga said operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military used real-time tracking technologies to monitor the abductors and pressure them into freeing the captives without harm.
According to him, once the attack was reported, security agencies activated sophisticated systems that traced the movement and communication lines of the bandits, enabling operatives to maintain steady contact and negotiate from a position of tactical advantage.
“DSS and military operatives were deeply involved in the rescue of the 38 worshippers in Eruku,” he said.
“They contacted the bandits and demanded the release of the victims. Our security agencies have systems to track these criminals. They monitored developments in real time, and the bandits complied, fully aware of the consequences of defying government directives.”
Onanuga said the decision to adopt a non-kinetic approach was deliberate, noting that a direct military assault could have endangered the abductees, who are often used as human shields.
“The priority was to ensure that all abductees were reunited with their families safely. A kinetic strike would have risked collateral damage and avoidable casualties,” he added.
He also confirmed that security agencies were still pursuing the perpetrators, while the military will determine the appropriate next steps to ensure the criminals are brought to justice.
The victims were kidnapped from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun, in Eruku on November 18. DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi subsequently briefed President Bola Tinubu on the incident and other unfolding security concerns across the country on November 21. By November 23, the President announced that all abductees had regained freedom.
Speaking later on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, Onanuga reiterated that coordinated intelligence was key to the operation. He added that the bandits released the captives because they knew the consequences of resisting security directives.
“They know the consequences of not acquiescing. They know they could be pummelled,” he said.
Onanuga stressed that while the victims are now safe, the operation continues, and the security agencies remain on the trail of the kidnappers.
