By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
SECURITY EFFORTS surrounding the release of 38 abducted church worshippers in Kwara State have come under clearer focus after the presidency confirmed that a non-kinetic strategy guided the operation.
The disclosure followed several days of silence from government and military channels on how the captives were freed, despite earlier assurances that national security agencies were working to secure their return.
The victims were seized from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the Eruku community of Kwara on November 18.
Their abduction had added to growing public anxiety as reports of kidnappings continued to spread across different parts of the country.
The situation prompted a briefing on November 21, when Adeola Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), updated President Bola Tinubu on what he described as a worsening nationwide security climate.
Two days later, President Tinubu issued a statement declaring that all abductees had been released.
His announcement outlined the federal government’s position that the security agencies acted decisively and remained fully engaged on multiple fronts.
“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued,” the President announced in the statement.
He emphasised that he continued to monitor developments and expected security institutions to maintain operational tempo across the country.
“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline. Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” the statement added.
The presidency and military authorities initially provided no operational details, leaving questions about how the release unfolded or whether negotiation played a role.
Government representatives did not confirm whether ransom was paid, despite public speculation. Officials instead maintained a reserved posture on tactical specifics.
Clarification emerged on Monday, when Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, appeared on ‘Prime Time’, an Arise Television programme.
Speaking during the broadcast, he attributed the successful release to collaboration between the DSS and the military, explaining that the agencies reached out to the abductors to secure the captives’ safe return.
“After the incident, the DSS and the military were involved in the rescue effort. They got in contact with the bandits to release the captives unharmed,” the president’s spokesperson said.
According to him, the approach produced results by Sunday, culminating in the recovery of all 38 worshippers.
Onanuga insisted that security agencies possess established mechanisms for tracing armed groups and communicating with them when necessary.
“On Sunday, they were able to get them out unharmed. They do have a way of tracking these people. The security agencies have a way of contacting these people.
“They (bandits) know the consequences of not acquiescing to government demands. They know they could be pummelled,” he said.
He explained that the gunmen were aware of potential repercussions if they failed to cooperate with security officials, saying that their choice to comply helped avoid escalation.
His remarks affirmed the government’s reliance on what he repeatedly described as non-kinetic engagement, which he framed as an operational choice intended to safeguard the abductees.
Onanuga argued that attempting a direct military assault on the kidnappers’ location could have endangered hostages, stating that abductors often use civilians as cover.
“Attacking their base could be risky because you can kill the civilians,” he added, noting that such operations often carry a high risk of collateral damage.
Throughout the interview, he did not provide additional tactical information, nor did he confirm whether any negotiation terms were offered.
Instead, he reiterated that the primary objective had been to ensure that all captives returned unharmed, stressing that the selected method supported that goal.
The presidential aide also stated that the military would determine “the next line of action” regarding the kidnappers.
His remarks suggested that while the immediate hostage situation had concluded, security forces intended to continue operations against the perpetrators.
The comments marked one of the first official explanations for how the worshippers’ regained freedom.
Before the Arise Television interview, enquiries directed at security authorities had yielded no operational narrative beyond the president’s initial announcement.
The restrained communication fuelled questions about the process, particularly in communities affected by repeated abductions.
Also, government representatives maintained a careful tone in public statements, focusing on the rescue outcome while declining to confirm any additional exchanges.
Officials further highlighted the importance of protecting civilians during rescue efforts and described the operation’s conclusion as evidence of coordination among security institutions.
However, public attention remained fixed on the fate of the victims after their release, though no official statement provided details on their physical condition or whether they received immediate medical assessment.
The presidency’s communication only concentrated primarily on the security operation rather than post-rescue procedures as at the time of this report.
