A former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) has said the accounts given by the rescued Oyo schoolchildren and the Federal Government regarding their release are not necessarily contradictory, insisting that both versions of events can be accurate.
The former intelligence chief explained that hostage rescue operations often involve a combination of intelligence gathering, negotiations, psychological pressure, and coordinated security actions. According to him, victims may only witness the final moments of their release, while security agencies are aware of the broader operation that led to that outcome.
His remarks come amid public debate over the circumstances surrounding the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. While some of the rescued victims reportedly stated that they were released by their captors, the Federal Government maintained that the operation resulted from sustained intelligence-led efforts by security agencies.
The former DSS official noted that kidnappers may decide to free captives after coming under intense operational pressure, making it possible for victims to believe they were simply released while security agencies view the outcome as the result of a successful rescue mission. He stressed that intelligence operations often unfold behind the scenes and may not be immediately visible to those held captive.
He also commended the coordinated efforts of the military, the DSS, the police, and other security agencies involved in the operation, while urging the government to strengthen preventive measures, including the Safe School Initiative, to reduce future attacks on educational institutions.