A major rescue operation to free dozens of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State has entered its sixth week, with security sources revealing that the terrorists responsible remain trapped inside the Oyo National Park despite efforts to evade capture.
According to a report by Punch Newspapers, the terrorists, identified as members of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (Boko Haram), have planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs), frequently changed locations and intensified attacks in other parts of Nigeria in an attempt to frustrate rescue efforts and stretch security resources.
The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State: Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele. At least 42 pupils and teachers, including a principal, were taken.
Security Forces Tighten Net
Sources involved in the operation said troops have effectively sealed escape routes from the forest, preventing the terrorists from moving the captives out of the area.
However, the difficult terrain and widespread deployment of IEDs have slowed the operation. At least three soldiers have reportedly been killed in separate confrontations with the terrorists.
One security source told Punch that the kidnappers are constantly relocating within the forest to avoid detection but remain unable to escape.
The source added that troops are carefully navigating the area due to the risk posed by explosives planted across the forest.
Victims Used as Human Shields
Security officials said the greatest challenge facing rescuers is the terrorists’ use of abducted pupils and teachers as human shields.
According to sources, the captives are being held by a heavily reinforced group of more than 200 fighters. Security agencies fear that a direct assault could lead to casualties among the hostages.
Officials indicated that operational decisions are being guided by the need to protect the lives of the children and teachers while maintaining pressure on the kidnappers.
Demand for Release of Terror Commanders
The terrorists have reportedly demanded the release of two detained commanders in exchange for the captives.
The commanders were identified as Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri.
The government has maintained its position that it will not negotiate with terrorists and remains committed to securing the release of the hostages through ongoing operations.
Diversionary Attacks Across Nigeria
Intelligence sources believe the group has increased attacks in northern Nigeria to divert attention from the Oyo rescue mission.
A former lawmaker familiar with developments said the surge in attacks was intended to force security agencies to redeploy personnel away from the Oyo forest.
Recent incidents cited include attacks in Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and other states, contributing to a broader rise in insecurity across the country.
Experts Urge Tactical Response
Retired Brigadier-General John Sura said diversionary attacks are a common terrorist tactic designed to stretch military resources and shift attention away from critical operations.
He advised the military to maintain focus on rescuing the abducted pupils while strengthening security responses elsewhere.
Sura also called for greater use of satellite imagery through Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited to improve surveillance of the forest terrain.
Another retired Brigadier-General, Bashir Adewinbi, warned that the deployment of IEDs showed increasing sophistication among terrorist groups and advocated stronger aerial surveillance capabilities.
Oyo Government Maintains Silence
The Oyo State Government said it would continue to limit public comments on the rescue operation to avoid jeopardising the safety of the hostages.
Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade said the government was being cautious about releasing operational details that could endanger the abducted teachers and pupils.
Officials and community sources insist the terrorists remain surrounded within the forest, with security forces continuing efforts to secure the safe release of all victims.
