Oyo Abductors Drop Key Demands, Focuses On Ransom Payment

The abductors of the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have reportedly abandoned some of their initial demands and are primarily seeking ransom payments for the release of the abductees.

New Telegraph recalls that the abductors had initially demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, provision of two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related conditions.

Among those reportedly listed for release were senior members of the Ansaru terrorist group, including Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, who were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) last year.

Recall that the victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed terrorists attacked three schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities, abducting a total of 46 people.

Sources said troops and other security personnel involved in the operation have surrounded a suspected hideout located within the National Park forest area, where the hostages are believed to be held.

According to the sources, security operatives have effectively restricted the movement of the kidnappers by blocking major escape routes and intensifying surveillance around the area.

Security sources familiar with the ongoing rescue operation disclosed that mounting pressure from the ongoing operation has forced the kidnappers to reconsider some of their earlier conditions.

The group is now said to be focusing mainly on ransom negotiations.

Security officials also alleged that the abductors recently killed one of the kidnapped teachers in an attempt to pressure authorities into suspending the rescue mission.

Investigations further revealed that the leader of the kidnapping gang is believed to be 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 situated near a border corridor linking parts of Oyo State to the Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, a region known for its difficult terrain and limited communication infrastructure.

Sources said intelligence had earlier uncovered plans by terrorists to target schools within the area, leading to preventive actions, including the temporary closure of some educational institutions.

Security agencies also attributed the growing attacks on vulnerable communities to sustained military offensives that have forced terrorist groups from their traditional strongholds.

According to security officials, recent operations against Ansaru, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have resulted in the neutralisation of at least 168 high-profile terrorist commanders, while several others have been arrested or forced to flee into neighbouring countries.

A senior security officer, who spoke anonymously, expressed confidence that ongoing military operations would eventually weaken and dismantle the activities of terrorist groups operating across 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.