Bu Samuel Solomon
There are strong indications that the 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State may regain their freedom any time soon as security operatives intensify rescue efforts.
In fact, troops have blocked all possible escape routes to the National Park where the victims are being held. Recall that on May 15, 2026, terrorists stormed three schools in Oriire council area, abducting 46 individuals.
However, multiple security sources, familiar with the issue, disclosed that troops and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation have surrounded a hideout within the National Park forest area, where the abducted pupils and teachers are believed to be held.
According to security sources, the terrorists have been “effectively contained within the forest”, with security operatives blocking possible escape routes and restricting their movement with the hostages.
It was further gathered that, following mounting pressure and the likelihood of capture, the terrorists have reportedly resorted to desperate tactics, including the recent gruesome killing of one of the abducted teachers, apparently in an attempt to blackmail authorities and halt the ongoing rescue operation.
Again, it was gathered that initially the terrorist presented four major demands, including the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, provision of two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related laws.
Among those whose release was demanded 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 identified as senior members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram.
They were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, last year.
However, multiple sources revealed that as security forces continue to tighten their grip around the terrorists, the kidnappers have reportedly “dropped some of their earlier demands” and are now “largely focused on securing ransom payment.”
Pressmen were further made to understand that the leader of the kidnapping gang is an indigene of Oriire Local Government Area who had lived among residents before allegedly becoming radicalised by the Ansaru terrorist group and embracing extremist ideology.
It was also revealed that the affected communities lie close to Nigeria’s border corridor leading towards Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, an area known for its challenging terrain and no communication networks.
Multiple security sources disclosed that intelligence reports had previously uncovered plans by terrorists to attack schools in the area, prompting preventive measures, including the temporary closure of some schools.
Sources disclosed that sustained military offensives against terrorist groups across the country have forced many insurgents to abandon their traditional strongholds and resort to attacking vulnerable civilian targets, including remote communities such as those in Oriire Local Government Area.
In recent months, security agencies have reportedly recorded significant successes against members of Ansaru, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, aided by intelligence provided by the DSS.
Sources said no fewer than 168 high-profile terrorist commanders had been neutralised during recent operations, while scores of others had been arrested. Many insurgents are also believed to have fled into neighbouring countries in search of refuge.
A senior security officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed confidence that the war against terrorism would ultimately be won.
The source said: “The war against terrorism will be won. We will not relent in the ongoing offensive until these criminals are either eliminated or forced out of the country. President Bola Tinubu recently issued a strong warning to them. The signs of victory are already becoming evident.”
