There are strong indications that the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota, and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State may soon regain their freedom as security agencies intensify efforts to secure their release.
Security sources revealed that troops and other operatives involved in the rescue mission have sealed off major escape routes leading out of the National Park forest, where the victims are believed to be held.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed terrorists invaded three schools in the Oriire council area and whisked away 46 persons.
According to sources familiar with the operation, security personnel have successfully surrounded a suspected terrorist hideout within the forest and are maintaining pressure on the kidnappers while restricting their movements.
The sources disclosed that the terrorists have been effectively trapped within the area, making it increasingly difficult for them to move either themselves or the hostages.
It was further gathered that the kidnappers recently killed one of the abducted teachers, a move security officials described as an attempt to intimidate authorities and force a suspension of the ongoing rescue efforts.
Kidnappers Scale Down Demands
Investigations revealed that the terrorists initially made four major demands before releasing the victims. These included the payment of ransom, the release of detained terrorist commanders, the provision of two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related laws.
Among those whose release was reportedly demanded were 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 believed to be senior members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram.
The two suspects were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) last year.
However, security sources disclosed that increasing pressure from troops has forced the kidnappers to abandon some of their initial demands. The group is now reportedly concentrating primarily on securing ransom payments.
Local Suspect Linked to Kidnapping Network
Sources further alleged 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 near Nigeria’s border corridor leading toward Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, a region known for its difficult terrain and limited communication networks.
Intelligence reports had reportedly warned of planned attacks on schools within the area, prompting authorities to implement preventive measures, including the temporary closure of some schools.
Security officials also noted that sustained military operations against terrorist groups across the country have forced many insurgents out of their traditional strongholds, leading them to target vulnerable communities and civilian locations.
Security Agencies Record Major Gains
Security sources said recent operations against Ansaru, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have yielded significant results.
According to the reports, intelligence support from the DSS has contributed to the elimination of at least 168 high-profile terrorist commanders, while numerous others have been arrested. Several insurgents are also believed to have fled to neighbouring countries.
A senior security officer expressed confidence that ongoing military operations would eventually defeat terrorism in the country.
“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. Recent developments indicate that significant progress is being made,” the source said.
Police Dismiss Claims Linking Igboho to Release of Kidnap Victims
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims that Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, played a role in securing the release of kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of the state.
The police were reacting to reports and videos circulating on social media suggesting that Igboho’s intervention led to the victims’ freedom.
The controversy followed a public warning issued by Igboho, who accused criminal elements of turning the town into a kidnapping hotspot and threatened to confront those responsible if the victims were not released within two hours.
Shortly after the ultimatum, reports emerged that the abducted victims, including a pregnant woman, her children and a sibling, had regained their freedom, prompting widespread celebrations in the community.
Videos shared online showed residents rejoicing and welcoming the victims after days of uncertainty.
The victims had reportedly been abducted during a midnight attack on their residence, with kidnappers initially demanding N300 million before reducing the ransom to N150 million during negotiations.
Speaking in a viral video, Igboho condemned the abduction and expressed anger over the activities of kidnappers in the area.
“You cannot continue kidnapping people in my homeland and expect me to remain silent. This must stop, and it must be the last time such an incident occurs here,” he said.
Police Insist No Evidence Links Igboho to Rescue
Reacting to the claims, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said there was no official confirmation that the victims had been rescued through any intervention by Sunday Igboho.
He stated that the Commissioner of Police had not received any evidence connecting the activist to a rescue operation and urged members of the public to rely on information released through official channels.
The command described reports linking Igboho to the alleged rescue as unverified and maintained that investigations into the matter were ongoing.
Security Forces Tighten Noose Around Kidnappers as Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Nears
