Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga says a non-kinetic strategy played a central role in the rescue of the 38 worshippers kidnapped from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Kwara State, on November 18.
The disclosure comes days after Adeola Ajayi, director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), briefed President Bola Tinubu on the widening security challenges across the country on November 21.
Two days later, on November 23, President Tinubu announced the successful release of all abducted victims.
“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued,” the president said in a statement.
“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline.
“Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”
Neither the presidency nor the military has offered details on the operation, including whether any ransom was paid.
READ ALSO: All 38 abducted Kwara church worshippers rescued
However, Onanuga, speaking Monday on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, attributed the breakthrough to coordinated efforts by the DSS and the military. He said the operation succeeded because the armed group understood that failing to cooperate would result in them being “pummelled”.
“After the incident, the DSS and the military were involved in the rescue effort. They got in contact with the bandits to release the captives unharmed,” the president’s spokesperson said.
“On Sunday, they were able to get them out unharmed. They do have a way of tracking these people.
“The security agencies have a way of contacting these people. They (bandits) know the consequences of not acquiescing to government demands. They know they could be pummelled.”
Onanuga added that a kinetic approach would have been counter-productive because terrorists often use abductees as “human shields” which could result in “collateral damage”.
“Attacking their base could be risky because you can kill the civilians,” he added.
The presidential aide also said the military will decide “the next line of action” on the kidnappers.
