Troops Tighten Noose Around Oyo Kidnappers as Captors Shift Focus to Ransom Demands

Security forces have intensified operations to rescue 46 victims abducted from schools in Oyo State, as the kidnappers reportedly abandon some of their initial demands and focus primarily on securing ransom payments.

The victims, comprising 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers, were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, during coordinated attacks on three schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Security sources disclosed that troops and other operatives involved in the rescue mission have effectively surrounded a forest hideout within the National Park area where the victims are believed to be held.

According to intelligence sources familiar with the operation, the kidnappers had initially demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, the provision of two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related conditions.

Among those reportedly listed for release were Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri. The duo are alleged senior members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a breakaway faction linked to Boko Haram, and were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) last year.

However, sources said sustained pressure from security forces has significantly weakened the kidnappers’ negotiating position, leading them to drop some of their earlier demands and concentrate largely on ransom negotiations.

Security officials said troops have successfully restricted the movement of the kidnappers by blocking possible escape routes and maintaining surveillance around the forest enclave.

The operation has reportedly placed the captors under considerable pressure, with intelligence indicating that one of the abducted teachers was recently killed by the kidnappers, allegedly to compel authorities to halt ongoing rescue efforts.

Investigations further revealed that the suspected leader of the kidnapping gang is an indigene of Oriire Local Government Area who allegedly became radicalised after coming into contact with members of the Ansaru terrorist group.

The affected communities are located near a border corridor connecting parts of Oyo State to the Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, a region known for its difficult terrain and limited communication infrastructure.

Security sources disclosed that intelligence reports had previously warned of planned terrorist attacks on schools in the area, prompting preventive measures, including the temporary closure of some educational institutions.

According to the sources, ongoing military offensives across the country have forced many terrorist groups to abandon traditional strongholds and increasingly target vulnerable rural communities.

The sources also claimed that recent joint operations involving the military and intelligence agencies have led to the neutralisation of more than 168 high-profile terrorist commanders, while several others have been arrested. Many insurgents are also believed to have fled to neighbouring countries.

A senior security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed optimism that the ongoing campaign against terrorism would ultimately succeed.

“We will not relent in the offensive against these criminal elements. The objective is to dismantle their networks and restore peace to affected communities. The signs of progress are already evident,” the official said.

Security agencies have maintained that efforts to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and teachers remain ongoing, with troops continuing to sustain pressure on the kidnappers’ hideout.