4 suspected terrorists die in hospital after Oyo schoolchildren rescue, says ex-DSS official

Four suspected terrorists who were critically injured during the rescue operation that freed the abducted Orire schoolchildren later died in hospital, while other suspects are being prepared for prosecution.

Former Assistant Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Mohammed Ngoshe, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday.

Ngoshe explained that security forces first arrested people linked to the kidnappers, including alleged collaborators and family members, before increasing pressure on the group.

He said the kidnappers later contacted security agencies and attempted to negotiate, but their conditions were rejected. 

According to him, the terrorists realised they could not harm the abducted children because they feared those already in custody would also face serious consequences.

Ngoshe said security forces surrounded the terrorists’ hideout in the Oyo Forest, cut off access to food, weapons and informants, and took control of surrounding communities. As the operation tightened, the kidnappers were left with no escape route.

He added that during the final phase of the operation, security personnel from the army, police and other agencies came under attack. Three officers were killed after stepping on an improvised explosive device, IED.

According to Ngoshe, the terrorists eventually released the schoolchildren before security forces engaged them. Some of the suspects were killed during the operation, while four who were critically wounded later died in hospital. 

He said the remaining suspects, including those with minor injuries, are being processed for prosecution.

“The four of them that were critically injured died in hospital, while the other ones are being processed for prosecution,” Ngoshe said.