Ex-CDS credits DSS for Oyo abductees’ rescue

A former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin (retd.), has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for its instrumental role in the recent rescue of 46 teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State. Petinrin stated that the DSS played a strategic and crucial part in the operation, which secured the victims' safe release, though their contribution has largely gone unnoticed.

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The ORIRE kidnap victims’ release was already being credited to the military until one of the released victims told the true story: they were released by the kidnappers, and no kinetic action was involved in that release.

Petinrin noted that while other security agencies received public praise, the intelligence gathered by the DSS was vital. He revealed that the kidnappers released the victims after their families were arrested and their videos were sent to the abductors. The former defence chief credited the DSS and other intelligence community members for identifying the kidnappers and tracing their relatives, a feat that was essential for the successful outcome.

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But how were the kidnappers identified and their relatives traced to their various places of abode? That was the work of the DSS and the other actors in the intelligence community.

Describing the DSS's approach as professional, Petinrin observed that the agency maintained silence despite not receiving public acknowledgment. He emphasized that intelligence is the foundation of successful military operations, stating, "intelligence is the grandfather of military operations." He also lauded the patience exhibited by President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and other security leaders, noting that their decision to avoid immediate military action prevented potential casualties among the abductees.

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While the side players were being eulogised and the main DSS actors responsible for the release were being ignored, the DSS kept silent. That is the way of solid intelligence professionals.