There are growing indications that the 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers kidnapped from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State may soon regain their freedom as security forces intensify rescue operations against their captors.
Multiple security sources disclosed that troops and other operatives involved in the operation have effectively surrounded a hideout within the National Park forest where the victims are believed to be held.
According to the sources, all known escape routes leading out of the forest have been blocked, significantly restricting the movement of the terrorists and increasing pressure on the kidnappers.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed terrorists attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area and whisked away 46 persons.
Security officials revealed that the terrorists are now under intense pressure and have been largely contained within the forest. Sources added that the kidnappers recently killed one of the abducted teachers, allegedly in a desperate attempt to blackmail authorities and force a halt to the ongoing military operation.
Terrorists Drop Key Demands
Investigations revealed that the kidnappers initially made 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 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 identified as senior members of the Ansaru terrorist group, a faction linked to Boko Haram. The duo was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) last year.
However, security sources disclosed that mounting military pressure has forced the terrorists to abandon some of their initial demands and focus mainly on securing ransom payments.
Local Terror Link Uncovered
Sources further revealed that the leader of the kidnapping gang is reportedly an indigene of Oriire Local Government Area who lived among residents before allegedly becoming radicalised by the Ansaru terrorist group.
The affected communities are located near Nigeria’s border corridor towards Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, a region known for difficult terrain and limited communication networks.
Intelligence reports had earlier warned of possible attacks on schools in the area, prompting authorities to temporarily shut down some educational institutions as a precautionary measure.
Security officials believe intensified military offensives across the country have forced many insurgents to abandon their traditional strongholds and target vulnerable rural communities.
Security Agencies Record Major Successes
In recent months, security agencies have reportedly recorded significant victories against Ansaru, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), with intelligence support from the DSS.
Sources disclosed that no fewer than 168 high-profile terrorist commanders have been neutralised during recent operations, while many others have been arrested. Several insurgents are also believed to have fled into neighbouring countries.
A senior security official expressed confidence that ongoing operations would ultimately defeat terrorism in the country.
“The war against terrorism will be won. We will not relent until these criminals are eliminated or forced out of the country. The signs of victory are already becoming evident,” the source said.
Police, Sunday Igboho Disagree Over Alleged Rescue Claims
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 the release of kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area.
The controversy followed reports that several abducted residents regained their freedom shortly after Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to kidnappers operating in the area.
Viral videos showed residents celebrating and welcoming the victims back home after days in captivity.
The kidnappers had reportedly demanded N300 million ransom before reducing the amount to N150 million during negotiations.
In a widely circulated video, Igboho condemned the activities of kidnappers in the community, warning criminal elements to stay away from the area.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said there was no official confirmation linking the victims’ release to Igboho’s intervention.
“The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released. The Commissioner of Police has explicitly denied that Sunday Igboho was involved in any recent rescue operation,” Ayanlade stated.
The police urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and rely only on official channels for information regarding security operations and hostage situations.
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