There are strong indications that the 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State may regain their freedom soon as security operatives intensify rescue efforts.
Troops have reportedly blocked all possible escape routes leading out of the National Park where the victims are believed to be held.
Recall that on May 15, 2026, terrorists stormed three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area and abducted 46 pupils and teachers.
Multiple security sources familiar with the operation disclosed that troops and other security personnel have surrounded a hideout within the National Park forest where the victims are being held.
According to the sources, the terrorists have been “effectively contained within the forest,” with security operatives blocking all possible escape routes and restricting their movement with the hostages.
It was further gathered that, under mounting pressure and facing the possibility of capture, the terrorists have resorted to desperate tactics, including the recent killing of one of the abducted teachers, apparently in an attempt to blackmail the authorities and force a halt to the ongoing rescue operation.
Terrorists reduce demands
The terrorists had initially presented four major demands: the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, the provision of two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related laws.
Among those whose release was demanded are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri. Both are identified as senior members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram.
The two men were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) last year.
However, multiple sources revealed that as security forces continue to tighten the noose around the terrorists, the kidnappers have reportedly dropped some of their earlier demands and are now largely focused on securing a ransom payment.
