Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, says non-kinetic approach was deployed in securing the release of the 38 worshippers.
The victims were abducted from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the Eruku community of Kwara on November 18.
On November 21, Adeola Ajayi, director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), briefed the president on the security crisis enveloping the nation.
On November 23, Tinubu announced that all the abductees had been released.
“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 a statement.
“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 presidency and the military have been mum on how the captives were set free or if any ransom was paid.
‘SECURITY AGENCIES HAVE A WAY OF TRACKING THESE PEOPLE’
Speaking on ‘Prime Time’, an Arise Television programme, on Monday, Onanuga said the release was thanks to the DSS and the military.
He added that the gunmen knew that if they did not cooperate, they were going to be “pummelled”.
“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.
“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.”
Onanuga added that a kinetic approach would have been counter-productive because terrorists often use abductees as “human shields” which could result in “collateral damage”.
“Attacking their base could be risky because you can kill the civilians,” he added.
The presidential aide also said the military will decide “the next line of action” on the kidnappers