President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained the rationale behind the arrest of relatives of suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the action was taken as part of intelligence-led efforts to locate the perpetrators and secure the victims.
Speaking on the government’s response to the kidnapping, the President said security agencies adopted a combination of intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated operations to track members of the criminal network responsible for the attack.
According to Tinubu, investigators targeted the families and close associates of the suspected kidnappers not as a form of punishment but as part of efforts to obtain intelligence that could lead to the arrest of the culprits and the safe rescue of those abducted.
He maintained that the operation formed part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and disrupt the support networks that enable criminal groups to operate.
The President also reiterated his administration’s policy against the payment of ransom, stressing that yielding to the demands of kidnappers would only embolden criminal organisations and encourage further abductions.
Tinubu said the successful rescue operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security measures and reaffirmed the government’s determination to combat kidnapping through lawful and coordinated action.
The Oyo school abduction, which occurred in Oriire Local Government Area, involved dozens of pupils, teachers and other victims, sparking widespread concern across the country and renewed calls for stronger security around educational institutions.
The victims were eventually rescued following a joint operation involving security agencies, while several suspects linked to the crime have since been arrested and prosecuted.
The President commended members of the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security personnel who participated in the operation, describing their efforts as evidence of the government’s resolve to protect lives and restore public confidence.
His remarks have generated mixed reactions among legal experts and members of the public.
While some commentators praised the intelligence-led approach for contributing to the rescue operation, others stressed that any action involving relatives of criminal suspects must remain within the limits of the law and respect constitutional rights.
Human rights advocates have consistently argued that criminal responsibility is personal and that investigations should be conducted in accordance with due process while safeguarding the rights of innocent individuals.
Security analysts, however, note that intelligence operations often involve questioning relatives, associates and other persons who may possess information capable of assisting investigations, provided such actions comply with legal procedures.
They maintain that effective counter-kidnapping operations require robust intelligence gathering, improved inter-agency collaboration and sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
As the Federal Government continues its campaign against kidnapping and banditry, stakeholders have called for increased investment in intelligence capabilities, community policing, border security and judicial reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s overall security architecture.
The President reaffirmed that his administration would continue to pursue criminal groups through lawful means while prioritising the protection of citizens and the restoration of peace across the country.
