Ex-DSS chief explains why Oyo school rescue cannot be copied in every kidnap case
A former Assistant Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mohammed Ngoshe, has explained why the intelligence-led operation that rescued abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State cannot be applied to every kidnapping case across Nigeria.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Ngoshe said every security operation is different and should be assessed based on its unique circumstances.
He made the remarks while responding to questions about why similar rescue operations had not been carried out in states such as Borno, Plateau and Benue, where kidnappings and attacks have remained a major security challenge.
According to him, Nigerians should have greater confidence in security agencies, noting that many planned attacks are stopped before they happen.
“For every successful operation that you see against Nigeria, more than five to ten such operations must have been foiled,” he said.
Ngoshe explained that the Oriire school abduction had different dynamics from incidents in other parts of the country.
“What happened in Oriire might not be the same as what is happening in Borno,” he said, adding that the motives and operational environment vary from one case to another.
He also described the recurring violence in Plateau State as largely driven by retaliatory attacks between communities.
Defending the handling of the Oriire operation, the retired DSS officer said security agencies could not conduct sensitive operations in the public eye.
According to him, the kidnappers initially wanted to force the government to release detained Ansaru leaders but eventually came under intense pressure from security operatives.
He claimed the security agencies cut off the group’s access to food, weapons and informants, forcing them into a position where they had no choice but to surrender the victims.
Ngoshe added that after the hostages regained their freedom, security forces engaged the kidnappers, with some reportedly killed while others were arrested and are being processed for prosecution.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient and cooperate with security agencies, stressing that successful rescue operations require careful planning and cannot always produce immediate results.
The Federal Government recently announced the rescue of all pupils and teachers abducted from Community High School in Oriire, Oyo State, after they spent 56 days in captivity.
