OYO SCHOOL ABDUCTION: TROOPS CLOSE IN ON KIDNAPPERS AS RELEASE OF 46 HOSTAGES APPEARS NEAR

TROOPS CLOSE IN ON KIDNAPPERS AS RELEASE OF 46 HOSTAGES APPEARS NEAR

Security operatives have reportedly intensified efforts to rescue dozens of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, with indications emerging that the victims could regain freedom soon as troops tighten operations around the kidnappers’ hideout.

According to security sources, the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota, and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area are believed to be held inside the National Park forest, where security forces have now surrounded suspected hideouts.

Sources familiar with the operation disclosed that troops have successfully blocked major escape routes within the forest, significantly restricting the movement of the kidnappers and preventing them from moving the hostages to other locations.

The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen reportedly invaded three schools in the affected communities and kidnapped a total of 46 people.

As pressure from security agencies intensifies, the kidnappers are said to have begun changing their negotiation strategy.

Security reports indicate that the group had earlier issued several demands, including the release of detained commanders, payment of ransom, the provision of two Hilux vehicles, and demands related to enforcement of Sharia-linked conditions within the area.

Among individuals reportedly requested for release were Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, alongside his deputy Abubakar Abba, identified with aliases including Isah Adam and Mahmud Al-Nigeri.

Both men are believed to be senior figures connected to Ansaru, a faction linked to Boko Haram, and were reportedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) last year.

However, security sources say the kidnappers have now abandoned most of their earlier conditions and are currently focused mainly on securing ransom payments.

Investigators have reportedly traced the operation to a suspected gang leader believed to be an indigene of Oriire Local Government who allegedly became radicalized after association with extremist elements connected to Ansaru.

The affected communities are located near Nigeria’s border corridor leading toward Niger Republic, close to the Kainji axis, a region known for difficult terrain and limited telecommunications coverage, which security experts say has complicated rescue operations.

Reports also indicate that intelligence agencies had earlier received warnings about possible attacks targeting schools within the area, prompting temporary closure of some schools as precautionary measures.

Security analysts believe the attack reflects a broader pattern of insurgent groups shifting operations toward vulnerable rural communities following sustained military offensives against armed groups across different parts of the country.

Recent intelligence reports suggest security agencies, supported by the DSS, have recorded major successes against insurgent networks including Ansaru, Boko Haram, and ISWAP, with over 168 senior commanders reportedly neutralized while several others have been arrested.

Authorities also believe a number of fighters have fled into neighboring countries due to increasing pressure from Nigerian security forces.

A senior security official involved in the operation expressed optimism that the rescue mission would succeed, stressing that security forces remain committed to eliminating criminal networks threatening communities across the country.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims circulating online suggesting Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho facilitated the rescue of kidnapped victims in Igboho town, Orelope Local Government Area.

The police response followed viral reports claiming several abducted victims, including a pregnant woman and family members kidnapped during a midnight attack, were released after Sunday Igboho reportedly issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers.

Videos circulating online showed residents celebrating after reports emerged that the victims had regained freedom.

The kidnappers had allegedly demanded an initial ransom of ₦300 million before later reducing the amount to ₦150 million during negotiations.

Addressing local Fulani leaders in a widely shared video, Sunday Igboho had warned against continued attacks and kidnappings within the area.

However, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that authorities found no evidence linking Igboho to any rescue operation and urged the public to rely only on verified official information.

The developments continue to highlight growing security concerns in parts of Oyo State as authorities intensify efforts to tackle kidnapping and insurgency-related threats.