*Police Deny Igboho Rescue Claim
There are strong indications that the 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State may soon regain their freedom as security operatives intensify rescue efforts.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when terrorists attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area and whisked away 46 persons.
Multiple security sources familiar with the operation disclosed that troops and other security personnel involved in the rescue mission have surrounded a hideout within the National Park forest area, where the abducted pupils and teachers are believed to be held.
According to the sources, the terrorists have been effectively contained inside the forest, with troops blocking possible escape routes and restricting their movement with the hostages.
It was gathered that the kidnappers, under pressure from the ongoing operation and facing possible capture, have resorted to desperate tactics, including the recent gruesome killing of one of the abducted teachers, allegedly to blackmail authorities into halting the rescue effort.
Security sources said the terrorists initially made four major demands, including the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, provision of two Hilux vehicles, and implementation of Sharia-related laws.
Among those whose release was allegedly demanded are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, also known as Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri. Both men are said to be senior members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fi Biladis Sudan, popularly known as Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram.
They were arrested last year by operatives of the Department of State Services.
However, sources said the terrorists have now dropped some of their earlier demands as security forces tighten their grip around them, and are now largely focused on ransom payment.
It was further gathered that the leader of the kidnapping gang is an indigene of Oriire Local Government Area who had lived among residents before allegedly becoming radicalised by Ansaru and embracing extremist ideology.
The affected communities are said to be close to Nigeria’s border corridor leading towards Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, an area known for difficult terrain and poor communication networks.
Security sources also 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.
According to the sources, sustained military offensives against terrorist groups across the country have forced many insurgents to abandon their traditional strongholds and resort to attacking vulnerable civilian targets, including remote communities.
In recent months, security agencies have reportedly recorded major successes against Ansaru, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, aided by intelligence from the DSS.
Sources said no fewer than 168 high-profile terrorist commanders had been neutralised in recent operations, while many others were arrested. Several insurgents are also believed to have fled into neighbouring countries.
A senior security officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed confidence that the war against terrorism would ultimately be won.
“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. President Bola Tinubu recently issued a strong warning to them. The signs of victory are already becoming evident,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims that Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, facilitated the release of some kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of the state.
The police reaction followed viral reports and videos claiming that victims, including a pregnant woman, her children and a sibling, had regained freedom shortly after Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to criminal elements allegedly operating in the area.
Igboho had accused kidnappers of turning Igboho into a criminal hub and threatened to personally confront those behind the abductions if the victims were not released.
“You can’t be kidnapping in my father’s land and expect me to keep quiet. I’m an original indigene of Igboho land,” he said in a viral video while addressing Fulani leaders and traditional representatives.
He added that the abductions must stop, saying he would not allow the same criminal activities he had opposed elsewhere to continue in his ancestral community.
Shortly after the ultimatum, reports emerged that the victims had been released, sparking celebrations in the town. Residents were seen in viral videos singing, dancing and welcoming the victims.
The abduction had earlier caused outrage after gunmen reportedly kidnapped members of a family during a midnight attack and demanded ransom. Reports indicated that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦300 million before reducing the amount to ₦150 million.
However, the Oyo State Police Command faulted reports linking the alleged release of the victims to Igboho’s intervention.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said there was no official confirmation that the hostages had been safely released and no evidence linking Igboho to any rescue operation.
“The Nigeria Police Force has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released. Oyo State Commissioner of Police has explicitly denied that Sunday Igboho was involved in recent rescue operations,” the statement said.
The command described reports circulating online as unsubstantiated and urged members of the public to rely on official channels for information.
The police also maintained that they had no evidence of Igboho’s participation in any successful rescue effort, even as conflicting reports over the alleged release of victims continued to generate reactions across the state.
