By Deborah Nnamdi
The kidnappers holding 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly abandoned some of their initial demands and are now primarily seeking ransom payments for the release of their captives.
The victims were among 46 people kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed terrorists attacked three schools in the local government area.
Security sources familiar with the ongoing rescue operation disclosed that the terrorists had 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 men are senior members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, who were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services last year.
However, security sources said sustained pressure from troops and other security personnel has forced the kidnappers to scale back their demands. The terrorists are now said to be concentrating largely on securing ransom payments as security forces tighten the noose around their hideout.
According to the sources, troops involved in the rescue mission have surrounded a camp within the National Park forest area where the hostages are believed to be held. Security operatives have reportedly blocked major escape routes and restricted the movement of the terrorists within the forest.
The sources further revealed that the kidnappers recently killed one of the abducted teachers, allegedly in a bid to compel authorities to suspend the ongoing rescue operation. Despite the threat, security agencies have continued their offensive around the hideout.
Investigations indicated 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 the Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, a region known for its difficult terrain and limited communication infrastructure.
Security officials disclosed that intelligence reports had earlier uncovered plans by terrorists to attack schools in the area, prompting preventive measures, including the temporary closure of some educational institutions.
The sources noted that sustained military operations against terrorist groups across the country have forced many insurgents to abandon their traditional strongholds and increasingly target vulnerable civilian communities.
In recent months, security agencies have recorded significant successes against members of Ansaru, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), with intelligence support from the Department of State Services playing a key role in the operations.
According to security sources, at least 168 high-profile terrorist commanders have been neutralised in recent operations, while several others have been arrested. Many insurgents are also believed to have fled into neighbouring countries.
A senior security officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed confidence that the ongoing military offensive would ultimately defeat terrorist groups operating within 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. The signs of victory are already becoming evident,” the officer said.
