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 identified key Boko Haram commanders linked to the attack and trapped the terrorists inside the Oyo National Park.
According to a report by Saturday PUNCH, the abductors are members of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), the group formally known as Boko Haram. The terrorists are said to have intensified efforts to evade capture by planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and frequently relocating within the forest.
The attack, which occurred on May 15, saw at least 42 pupils and teachers, including a school principal, abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele.
Security sources disclosed that troops have sealed off all possible escape routes from the forest, effectively trapping the terrorists and their captives. However, the ongoing rescue operation has reportedly claimed the lives of three soldiers following separate gun battles with the insurgents.
One source familiar with the operation said the difficult terrain and widespread deployment of IEDs by the terrorists had slowed military advances.
“They have planted IEDs everywhere and our men are exploring professional methods to navigate the difficult areas. Some soldiers have been killed in the operation. There have been shootouts on two occasions, and the military lost three personnel,” the source said.
The terrorists are also said to be moving the abducted pupils and teachers from one location to another to avoid detection, although security officials insist they remain unable to leave the forest.
The insurgents have reportedly demanded the release of two senior commanders—Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri—in exchange for the hostages.
Despite the demand, authorities have maintained a no-negotiation stance, insisting that efforts are ongoing to secure the victims’ release.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed casualties among security personnel involved in the operation, revealing during an interaction with protesters that a Nigerian Army lieutenant was recently killed during rescue efforts.
Intelligence sources further alleged that Boko Haram commanders have increased attacks in other parts of the country, particularly in northern states, in an attempt to divert military attention and stretch security resources deployed to the Oyo rescue mission.
Security operatives also identified the use of abducted pupils and teachers as human shields as one of the major challenges hindering a direct assault on the terrorists’ hideout.
A source involved in the operation warned that any aggressive military action could endanger the lives of the captives, noting that the terrorists are heavily reinforced and reportedly numbering more than 200 fighters around the location where the victims are being held.
Retired military officers have urged the armed forces to remain focused on the rescue mission while intensifying intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance to track the terrorists’ movements.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has reiterated that it will remain cautious in releasing information about the operation to avoid jeopardising the safety of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the government would only provide updates through officially authorised channels, stressing that discretion remains critical to the success of the rescue effort.
Source: Punch