Thirty-six days after the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, security forces have reportedly tightened their grip on the suspected kidnappers, trapping them within the vast Oyo National Park as efforts to secure the victims' release continue.
According to security sources familiar with the operation, the abductors—believed to be members of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), the group commonly known as Boko Haram—have remained under intense military pressure since the May 15 attacks.
Despite being surrounded, the terrorists have reportedly adopted sophisticated tactics to frustrate rescue efforts. These include the planting of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along strategic routes within the forest and the frequent relocation of their captives to evade detection and military advances.
Sources involved in the operation revealed that the insurgents have also intensified attacks in other parts of Nigeria, a move believed to be aimed at diverting attention and stretching security resources deployed to the Oyo rescue mission.
The rescue operation has, however, come at a significant cost. Security personnel have reportedly engaged the terrorists in multiple gun battles within the forest, resulting in casualties among troops. At least three soldiers are said to have lost their lives during separate encounters while attempting to penetrate the kidnappers' stronghold.
One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the terrorists a day after the abduction. Security officials believe the killing was intended as a warning to security forces and an attempt to discourage aggressive rescue operations.
Intelligence sources disclosed that the terrorists have demanded the release of two senior commanders in exchange for the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers. The individuals identified are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, who is also known by the aliases Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri, and Mallam Mamuda.
However, government authorities have maintained a firm stance against negotiating with terrorists, insisting that efforts remain focused on securing the safe rescue of all victims.
Military sources stated that troops have successfully blocked major escape routes leading out of the forest, making it increasingly difficult for the abductors to relocate their captives beyond the Oyo National Park.
One security operative involved in the mission described the operation as particularly challenging due to the difficult terrain and the extensive use of explosives by the terrorists.
“The forest terrain is difficult, and they have planted IEDs in several locations. Our personnel are proceeding cautiously and professionally to avoid unnecessary casualties. We have lost some soldiers in the process, but the operation continues,” the source said.
According to the official, the insurgents constantly move the victims from one location to another because they are aware they are being tracked by security agencies.
“They know security forces are monitoring them closely. That is why they relocate frequently. But what is important is that they cannot leave the forest. They have effectively been surrounded,” the source added.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had earlier acknowledged that soldiers had lost their lives during the ongoing rescue efforts, underscoring the complexity of the mission.
A former lawmaker familiar with developments surrounding the operation claimed that attacks recently carried out by terrorist elements in northern Nigeria may be linked to efforts by the kidnappers' leadership to reduce military pressure on those holding the Oyo victims.
According to him, the terrorists hope that an escalation of violence elsewhere would compel security agencies to redeploy personnel away from Oyo National Park.
“They understand that troops are closing in on them. Increasing attacks in other locations is a tactic aimed at stretching security resources. However, all known escape routes have been blocked, and the pressure on them is increasing daily,” he said.
The former lawmaker further noted that the terrorists are allegedly using the abducted children and teachers as human shields, complicating rescue efforts and forcing security forces to exercise restraint.
A troop commander also expressed concerns about the risks associated with a direct assault on the terrorists' camp.
“If there is a major exchange of gunfire, innocent victims could be caught in the crossfire. There is also the possibility that the terrorists themselves could harm the hostages,” the officer reportedly stated.
The commander further disclosed that intelligence reports suggest the abductors have received reinforcements and may now number more than 200 fighters in the area where the victims are being held.
Meanwhile, retired Brigadier-General John Sura has warned security agencies not to be distracted by increased terrorist activities in other regions of the country. He described the attacks as a calculated strategy designed to ease pressure on the group holding the Oyo pupils and teachers hostage.
As military operations continue, hopes remain high among families and residents that the victims will soon be rescued safely and reunited with their loved ones.
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