Suspects linked to the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, along with some of their family members, are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), security officials have confirmed.
The arrests followed the security operation that secured the release of the victims after 56 days in captivity.
Earlier, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the rescue operation, while several others were killed.
According to him, security forces carried out the operation without granting any concessions to the abductors, despite their demand for the release of one of their alleged kingpins, who is currently facing prosecution for previous criminal offences.
Onanuga said all 46 abducted pupils and teachers were rescued unharmed through a coordinated operation involving the military, the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force. He added that security agencies will provide a comprehensive account of the operation in due course.
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the successful rescue, describing it as a major relief for the nation and the affected families.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the military, the DSS and the police for working round the clock throughout the 56-day operation to secure the victims' release without collateral damage.
Tinubu said the operation led to the arrest of eight suspects and the neutralisation of other members of the kidnapping gang.
He expressed sympathy to the rescued pupils, teachers and their families for the trauma they endured during the period of captivity.
"I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them," the President said.
He added that the successful operation had ended more than 50 days of uncertainty for the victims and their families, while commending security personnel for their efforts.
The President also vowed that those responsible for the attack would face justice, including over the killing of teacher Mr. Oyedokun during the abduction.
Tinubu commended the Oyo State Government for cooperating with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts and directed emergency agencies to work with the state government to provide medical care and other relief support to the rescued children and teachers. He also urged the state government to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar attacks.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area. During the attack, Mr. Oyedokun was killed before dozens of pupils and teachers were taken into captivity.
The rescue brings to an end one of Nigeria's most closely followed mass school kidnapping cases in recent months.
Security officials said investigations are continuing to identify and arrest other members of the kidnapping network, while those already arrested remain in DSS custody pending further action.
