Why Kwara church rescue operation details stay undisclosed — Tinubu aide

The Christ Apostolic Church, CAC Oke Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy, Sunday Dare, has addressed public curiosity over the operational details behind the rescue of 38 persons abducted from Christ Apostolic Church, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Dare, in a post shared on his X account on Tuesday, explained that the process of securing or freeing kidnapping victims is inherently complex, involving multiple security agencies, local intelligence, and meticulous planning.

“The process of securing or freeing victims of kidnappings is often a complicated one involving several steps and multiple security personnel, even local intelligence.

“The ultimate goal is to free the captives and of course apprehend the terrorists.

“The full details of such operations are never disclosed in full. It’s a security matter,” Dare said.

He commended the efforts of security personnel involved in recent rescue operations in Niger and Kwara states, assuring the public that those responsible would soon face justice.

“We salute recent efforts by our security team in the Niger and Kwara incidents and know that perpetrators and the kidnappers will soon be arraigned to face the law of the land,” Dare added.

The comments come days after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced the release of the 38 hostages, crediting President Bola Tinubu for his hands-on involvement in securing the victims’ freedom.

“After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, HE AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State,” the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said in a statement.

AbdulRazaq noted that the success was due in large part to President Tinubu personally overseeing security efforts, even postponing a scheduled trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to coordinate operations in Kwara and Kebbi states.

“The governor says this is wholly due to the hands-on approach of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, who has personally led the efforts to free the abductees. The abductees were freed today, November 23. The governor is immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his direct initiative that made this happen,” the statement added.

Dare’s statement underlines the delicate balance authorities must maintain between operational security and public transparency in responding to kidnappings, reassuring Nigerians that rescue efforts are being handled professionally and that perpetrators will be held accountable.