Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday explained how Nigeria’s security forces applied targeted intelligence and coordinated actions to secure the release of 38 kidnapped worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
Onanuga noted that personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military were central to the rescue effort, deploying real-time tracking and controlled outreach to compel the kidnappers to free their hostages without harm.
He said security teams quickly activated advanced monitoring tools that helped them follow the abductors’ movements, giving them the advantage needed to open communication and negotiate from a firm position.
“DSS and military operatives were deeply involved in the rescue of the 38 worshippers in Eruku,” Onanuga said.
“They made contact with the bandits to secure the release of the captives. Our security agencies have systems for tracking these criminals, which allow them to monitor developments in real time.
“They reached out to the kidnappers and demanded the release of the victims, and the bandits complied, fully aware of the consequences of defying government directives.”
He described the non-kinetic strategy as intentional, stressing that launching a direct assault on the hideout could have jeopardised the victims, who are often used as shields.
According to him, “The priority was to ensure that all abductees were safely reunited with their families without triggering avoidable casualties.”
Onanuga further stated that security forces are still pursuing the culprits, and the military will decide the proper measures to ensure they face justice.
The victims were taken from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku on November 18. Three days after, on November 21, DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi briefed President Bola Tinubu on the wider security challenges unfolding across the country.
By November 23, the President confirmed that all the kidnapped victims had been released.
Speaking on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, Onanuga restated that the success of the operation resulted from intelligence collaboration between the DSS and the military.
He added that the bandits freed the hostages because they knew that “if they did not cooperate, they were going to be pummelled.”
“The security agencies have a way of contacting these people,” he said. “They know the consequences of not acquiescing to government demands. They know they could be pummelled.”
Onanuga maintained that a full military assault would have been harmful, as it risked “collateral damage” and possible civilian casualties.
He stressed that the military will decide the “next line of action” as efforts to apprehend the kidnappers continue.
