Security operatives have intensified efforts to rescue the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with indications that the victims could regain their freedom soon.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when terrorists attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities, abducting a total of 46 people.
According to security sources, troops and other operatives involved in the rescue mission have successfully surrounded the terrorists’ hideout within the National Park forest, where the victims are believed to be held. The sources revealed that all major escape routes from the area have been blocked, significantly restricting the movement of the kidnappers and preventing them from relocating the hostages.
The security crackdown is said to have placed the terrorists under intense pressure, forcing them into a defensive position within the forest.
Sources disclosed that the kidnappers recently killed one of the abducted teachers, allegedly in a desperate attempt to intimidate authorities and force a halt to the ongoing rescue operation. Security officials, however, insist that the operation remains active and focused on securing the safe release of the victims.
Kidnappers Scale Back Demands
Investigations revealed that the abductors initially presented four major conditions for the release of the victims. These included the payment of ransom, the release of detained terrorist commanders, the provision of two Hilux vehicles, and the enforcement of Sharia-related laws.
Among those reportedly demanded by the terrorists are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri. Both men are said to be senior members of Ansaru, a faction that broke away from Boko Haram, and were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) last year.
However, security sources said the kidnappers have begun dropping some of their initial demands as military pressure mounts around their hideout. They are now reportedly concentrating mainly on securing a ransom payment.
Local Connection To Terror Network
Further findings suggest that the leader of the kidnapping gang is an indigene of Oriire Local Government Area who previously lived among residents before allegedly becoming radicalised by the Ansaru terrorist group.
The affected communities are located close to border routes leading toward Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, areas known for difficult terrain and limited communication infrastructure.
Security reports indicate that authorities had earlier received intelligence about possible attacks on schools in the area, leading to preventive measures such as the temporary closure of some educational institutions.
Officials also noted that sustained military operations against terrorist groups across Nigeria have weakened several insurgent networks, forcing some members to abandon traditional strongholds and target vulnerable communities.
Recent offensives against Ansaru, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly led to the elimination of numerous commanders and the arrest of several suspects, with many others fleeing to neighbouring countries.
A senior security officer expressed confidence that the campaign against terrorism would eventually succeed, stating that security agencies remain determined to either eliminate the criminals or force them out of the country.
Police Dispute Sunday Igboho’s Role In Alleged Rescue
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims that Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, played a role in the reported release of kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area.
The controversy followed Igboho’s public warning to criminal elements operating in the area, during which he accused kidnappers of turning the town into a hotspot for abductions and gave them a two-hour ultimatum to release their captives.
Shortly after the warning, reports emerged that several abducted victims, including a pregnant woman and her children, had regained their freedom, prompting celebrations among residents.
Videos shared online showed community members welcoming the victims and rejoicing after days of uncertainty surrounding their whereabouts.
The victims had reportedly been abducted during a midnight attack, with kidnappers initially demanding ₦300 million before reducing the ransom demand to ₦150 million during negotiations.
In a viral video, Igboho condemned the activities of kidnappers in the area, insisting that criminal acts would no longer be tolerated in his hometown.
However, the Oyo State Police Command maintained that there was no official confirmation linking Igboho to any rescue operation.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that the command had no evidence supporting claims that the activist facilitated the victims’ release. He described reports circulating on social media as unverified and urged the public to rely on official sources for accurate information.
The police reiterated that investigations and security operations remain ongoing, while reactions continue to trail reports of the victims’ alleged release.
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