The Federal Government has intensified efforts to secure the release of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with security agencies reportedly placing the rescue operation among their top priorities.
Top security sources disclosed that troops and other operatives have maintained close surveillance over sections of the National Park forest in neighbouring Kwara State, where the victims are believed to be held alongside other kidnap victims. Authorities said security personnel have effectively restricted the movement of the terrorists by sealing possible escape routes and increasing pressure on the criminal group.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed terrorists attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and two other schools in Esinle community, carting away dozens of pupils and their teachers. The incident sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of schools and communities in parts of the South-West.
Security sources said the sustained operation has significantly weakened the kidnappers and reduced their ability to move freely. According to officials familiar with the operation, the terrorists have been confined to sections of the forest and are facing increasing pressure from military and intelligence operatives.
In what authorities described as a desperate attempt to force negotiations and discourage rescue efforts, the kidnappers recently killed one of the abducted teachers. Security officials believe the murder was intended to blackmail the government and compel authorities to consider some of the group’s demands.
Investigations revealed that the terrorists had initially demanded the release of several detained commanders, including senior Ansaru figures Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, who were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) last year. However, intelligence sources indicated that the kidnappers have reportedly abandoned some of their earlier demands as security forces continue to tighten the noose around them.
Officials also disclosed that intelligence reports had previously uncovered plans by terrorist elements to attack schools in the affected areas. In response, authorities implemented preventive measures, including temporary closure of some schools and increased security surveillance in vulnerable communities.
According to security sources, sustained military operations against Boko Haram, Ansaru and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have forced many insurgents out of their traditional strongholds in the North-East, pushing them to seek refuge in forests and target softer locations across other parts of the country.
The sources further revealed that no fewer than 168 high-profile terrorist commanders have been neutralised in recent military operations, while several others have been arrested or driven into neighbouring countries. They maintained that ongoing offensives have disrupted terrorist networks and weakened their operational capabilities.
Meanwhile, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to support security agencies in the fight against terrorism, stressing that national security requires collective responsibility and unity among citizens.
Abdulsalami commended the armed forces for their resilience and sacrifices in confronting insurgency and other security challenges. He warned against the politicisation of security issues, as well as the spread of propaganda and fake news, saying such actions only embolden criminal groups and undermine efforts to restore peace.
Security officials expressed confidence that ongoing operations would eventually lead to the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers and ultimately degrade terrorist groups operating within and around the country.
They reiterated that the government remains committed to eliminating terrorism and ensuring that schools and communities across Nigeria are protected from further attacks.
