Troops Close In on Boko Haram Terrorists Holding Oyo Schoolchildren, Soldiers Killed in Rescue Ops

Troops have closed in on Boko Haram terrorists holding over 40 schoolchildren and teachers captive in the forests of Old Oyo National Park, but rescue efforts have been complicated by the terrorists’ use of the victims as human shields, planted improvised explosive devices, and constant relocation to evade capture, security sources have disclosed.

The terrorists have been identified as members of the JAS faction of Boko Haram, the same group responsible for the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction, and they are using the rugged terrain of the national park as a fortress.

Multiple soldiers have been killed in the ongoing rescue operation as troops continue to penetrate the forest and engage the terrorists in combat.

The terrorists have been operating in the North to distract the rescue efforts, according to sources.

They have demanded the release of terror commanders, Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, also known as Mallam Mamuda.

The source said the use of human shields by the terrorists has raised the risk of collateral damage, making direct assaults risky.

The terrorists have planted IEDs along routes into the forest and have been constantly relocating the victims as troops advance.

The Oyo State Government had previously confirmed that six local informants linked to the attack have been arrested and are assisting security agencies.

The attack occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.

One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed while in captivity.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, had earlier ordered the deployment of more detectives from the Force Headquarters in Abuja to join the ongoing rescue operation.

President Bola Tinubu has vowed that the federal government will take swift and decisive action to ensure the safe return of the victims.

Security agencies continue search operations in forest corridors linked to the Old Oyo National Park, where the abductors are believed to be hiding.

The federal government has also announced the recruitment of 1,000 forest rangers in Oyo State as part of measures to strengthen security in vulnerable areas.

As of press time, no formal update had been provided on the progress of rescue operations or the status of negotiations with the abductors.