Former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services, Dennis Amachree, has said the conflicting Oyo school rescue accounts of how the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers regained their freedom could both be accurate.
Amachree spoke during an interview with TVC News on Monday. He was responding to questions about the differences between the captives’ version and the Federal Government’s account of the operation.
One of the rescued teachers had said the terrorists released the captives before security operatives arrived and transported them home.
The Federal Government, however, earlier described the development as a rescue operation involving security agencies and arrests. In addition, it insisted that no prisoner exchange took place.
Amachree says both accounts can coexist
Amachree explained that the situation in the forest was fluid. He said that the terrorists might have told the captives they were releasing them while security forces were already closing in.
“Well both can exist as the truth because, see, it’s fluid. The situation is very, very fluid. You know some of them can say, ‘Oh, we’re almost releasing them,’ and then, of course, the security agents came in and then did everything,” he said.
The former DSS official maintained that the pressure mounted by security forces had already forced the kidnappers into a difficult position. Because of this pressure, the captives walked free.
According to him, troops surrounded the terrorists, disrupted their movement and cut off essential supplies and communication links.
“One important thing you have to realise is that the operation itself, you know, was one that was squeezing life out of the terrorists. They were totally surrounded in that forest. Also, as they’re moving, they cut off all their food supplies.
“They cut off all their communication, you know, links, and they were, in fact, they don’t have much options,” he said.
Amachree added that the terrorists might have claimed they voluntarily released the captives. Yet they knew security forces had weakened their position.
“So they could tell you that, ‘Oh yeah, we’re almost releasing them,’ but they knew that they’ve lost the game,” he said.
Public disclosure unusual
Amachree also addressed concerns about the amount of operational information disclosed by the security agencies after the rescue.
He said Nigerians should appreciate that the DSS and military provided details. This is notable because similar operations could remain classified for several years.
“Well, I think Nigerians should be happy that we’re even discussing this because some of these things could be classified for years before we hear them. But the DSS is able to come out and even talk about it,” he said.
He added that other security institutions had also shared information to help the public understand how the operation unfolded.
“Other people that are in the know are talking about it. The military is talking about it. So at least this is just to inform the public because there are a lot of people who are still believing otherwise,” Amachree said.
Ex-DSS official warns against terrorist publicity
Amachree cautioned the media and social media users against giving terrorist organisations the publicity they seek.
He said publicity remained one of the major objectives of terrorist groups. He warned that the continuous circulation of their activities could serve their interests.
“And let me tell you, terrorists exist, and one of their major objectives is publicity. And, of course, the Nigerian press, especially social media now, is giving them all the publicity they need,” he said.
“We cannot continue doing that. And I think the military has come out to talk about it because they feel that they should at least tell the Nigerian public what is going on.”
The pupils and teachers regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity. This followed their abduction from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
