Rescue efforts for dozens of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno states have stalled over difficult terrain, fears for the victims’ safety, and demands by the abductors for the release of detained terrorist commanders.
Multiple Presidency and security sources told our correspondent that the kidnappers want a swap for high-profile Ansaru leaders Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Mahmud al-Nigeri, who are in government custody. The Federal Government has so far refused the demand despite mounting public pressure.
Officials say the Oyo and Borno attacks were coordinated to increase pressure on Abuja. The gunmen reportedly came from the Kainji area in Niger State and are holding the victims in forested areas of Oyo that security forces know little about.
A Presidency source explained that launching a military rescue in unfamiliar forest terrain risks civilian casualties, which is why operations have slowed. “The issue is the sensitivity of any hostage situation. You don’t want to risk the lives of the children and the teachers in the process,” the official said.
The abductions occurred on May 15 in Esiele, Oriire LGA, Oyo State, where armed men took staff and students from three schools, and the same day in Mussa town, Askira-Uba LGA, Borno State, where 42 to 50 schoolchildren were seized. One teacher in Oyo was later beheaded.
Inside Oyo,Borno:
Mother Recounts Horror as Bandits Abduct Schoolchildren in Oyo Community
Oyo Parents Seek Government Help After Schoolchildren Abducted By Gunmen
Oyo Abduction: Woman Pleads with Makinde to Rescue Kidnapped Family Members
Protests Demanded Over Abduction of Oyo Teachers and Students
Police Warn Against Fake Video on Oyo School Abduction
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for the immediate release of the captives, warning that schools must not become places of fear.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said rescuing the victims remains a top national priority. President Tinubu has directed security agencies to use all lawful means and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to improve security in vulnerable areas.
Security agencies say they are combining intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement, and search-and-rescue missions.
Over 1,000 terrorists were killed in the first quarter of 2026, and several high-value targets have been eliminated, according to military updates.
Civil society groups and the Peoples Redemption Party have criticized the government’s handling of the crisis, citing over 19,000 killings and 12,000 abductions since May 2023. They are demanding stronger intelligence, accountability, and support for victims.
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