The kidnappers holding 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly dropped some of their initial demands and are now primarily focused on securing ransom payments.

The terrorists had initially presented 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 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, and were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) last year.

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

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when terrorists attacked three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area and kidnapped 46 people.

According to multiple security sources familiar with the operation, the terrorists have been effectively contained within the forest, with security operatives blocking possible escape routes and restricting their movement with the hostages.

Sources further revealed that, under mounting pressure and facing the possibility of capture, the terrorists recently killed one of the abducted teachers, allegedly in an attempt to force authorities to halt the ongoing rescue operation.

However, as security forces continue to intensify operations around the hideout, the kidnappers have reportedly abandoned some of their earlier demands and are now largely concentrating on obtaining ransom payments.

Investigations indicate 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 towards the Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, an area characterised by difficult terrain and limited communication networks.

Security sources 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 schools.

The sources added that sustained military offensives 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), aided by intelligence provided by the DSS.

According to the sources, no fewer than 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 ongoing military operations would eventually defeat terrorist groups operating in 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.