- Oyo School Kidnappers Shift Focus to Ransom Amid Ongoing Military Pressure
- The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026
- Security sources disclosed that troops and other operatives have now surrounded a suspected hideout within the National Park forest area
Security sources say kidnappers holding 39 schoolchildren and 7 teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have scaled down their earlier demands and are now focusing mainly on ransom payment.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in the area and whisked away 46 persons.
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Initially, the abductors had reportedly demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, provision of 2 Hilux vehicles and the introduction of Sharia-related laws as conditions for freeing the captives.
Among those earlier named for release are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, also known as Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri. Both are said to be senior members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a faction linked to Boko Haram, and were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) last year.
Security sources disclosed that troops and other operatives have now surrounded a suspected hideout within the National Park forest area where the victims are believed to be held, with escape routes reportedly blocked.
The abductors are said to be under heavy pressure as security forces intensify operations around the area, limiting their movement and access to supplies.
Sources further alleged that the kidnappers killed one of the abducted teachers in a bid to pressure authorities and disrupt the ongoing rescue efforts.
According to intelligence reports, the gang leader is an indigene of Oriire Local Government Area who once lived among residents before allegedly becoming radicalised and joining the Ansaru network.
The communities affected are located along a difficult border corridor toward the Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, an area known for rough terrain and limited communication access.
Security sources also noted that prior intelligence had warned of possible attacks in the area, which led to preventive measures, including the temporary closure of some schools.
They added that sustained military operations across the country have forced many insurgents to abandon former strongholds and increasingly target vulnerable rural communities.
According to the sources, security agencies have recorded significant gains in recent months, including the neutralisation of at least 168 high-profile terrorist commanders and the arrest of several others, while many fighters are believed to have fled across borders.
A senior security official expressed confidence that ongoing operations would eventually dismantle terrorist networks operating in the country.
“The war against terrorism will be won. We will not relent until these criminals are either eliminated or forced out of the country,” the officer said.
