Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has revealed how the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military successfully secured the release of 38 worshippers abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Onanuga explained that security operatives tracked and established direct contact with the kidnappers, who were reportedly unarmed at the time of engagement. He said the abductors complied with the security agencies’ demand for the victims’ release because they were fully aware of the consequences of refusing.
Onanuga stressed that the operation was carefully executed to avoid casualties, noting that abductors often use hostages as human shields, making forceful rescue operations extremely risky.
Responding to questions on whether any deal was struck with the kidnappers, he clarified that the government’s immediate priority was the safe recovery of the victims, while any follow-up actions including arrests, prosecution, or additional operations remain the responsibility of the security agencies.
He confirmed that all 38 abducted church members were rescued unharmed, attributing the success to coordinated intelligence and strategic engagement aimed at resolving the incident without endangering civilian lives.
