How DSS, military secured release of 38 abducted Church members — Presidency

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has detailed how a coordinated intelligence operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military led to the successful rescue of 38 members of the Christ Apostolic Church abducted in Eruku, Kwara State.

Speaking during an interview with Arise TV, Onanuga disclosed that the operation was anchored on strategic intelligence gathering and direct communication with the kidnappers.

He explained that security agencies were able to track the abductors’ location and establish contact, which ultimately pressured them into releasing the victims.

According to him, the abductors were unarmed at the time security teams engaged them, a factor that contributed to their willingness to comply with the government’s directives. “They understood the consequences of defying the state,” he noted, adding that their compliance helped avert a potentially violent confrontation.

Onanuga stressed that the government’s primary objective was the safe return of all abducted worshippers.

He explained that kidnappers frequently use hostages as human shields, making heavy military engagement risky and potentially deadly during rescue operations.

Responding to questions on whether any form of negotiation or deal was struck, the presidential aide stated that the government’s focus was strictly on securing the immediate release of the victims. Matters such as arrests, prosecution, or further security actions, he said, would be handled subsequently by the appropriate security agencies.

He confirmed that all 38 abducted church members were released unharmed, attributing the success of the rescue mission to coordinated intelligence, careful operational planning, and disciplined execution by the security forces.