Security operations have intensified in Oyo State following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from communities in Oriire Local Government Area, with troops reportedly blocking escape routes as efforts to rescue the victims continue.
The incident, which occurred on May 15, 2026, saw armed attackers invade schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota, and Alawusa communities, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, according to security reports.
Military sources disclosed that security operatives have now surrounded suspected hideouts within a forested area linked to the Kainji National Park axis, believed to be where the victims are being held.
Officials said the coordinated operation has restricted the movement of the armed group, with all possible exit routes sealed to prevent escape as pressure mounts on the kidnappers.
There are also indications that the abductors are facing increasing operational constraints, with reports suggesting that they have scaled down their initial demands and are now primarily focused on ransom negotiations.
Earlier demands reportedly included the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, provision of vehicles, and enforcement of certain ideological conditions. Among those mentioned were senior figures linked to terrorist networks arrested by security agencies in previous operations.
Security sources further alleged that the kidnappers have resorted to violent intimidation tactics as the siege tightens, including reported killings of captives to pressure authorities, although this has not been independently confirmed.
The affected communities are located along a difficult terrain bordering forest reserves with limited communication access, a factor officials say has complicated rescue operations.
Intelligence reports had previously warned of potential attacks in the area, prompting heightened security measures and, in some cases, temporary school closures.
Authorities also noted that sustained military offensives across different regions have displaced several armed groups, forcing them to shift tactics toward vulnerable rural communities and isolated settlements.
Meanwhile, security agencies maintain confidence that ongoing operations will lead to the safe recovery of the abducted victims, as coordinated ground and intelligence-led efforts continue in the affected area.
The Oyo State Police Command has urged the public to rely only on verified information as operations are ongoing.
Source: Adapted and rewritten from Vanguard News (Nigeria), June 22, 2026.
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