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Oyo School Kidnapping: Troops Tighten Siege as Abductors Drop Key Demands

Published

2 months ago

June 22, 2026

Oyo School Kidnapping: Troops Tighten Siege as Abductors Drop Key Demands

Fresh hope has emerged for the safe return of the 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers in Oyo State as security agencies intensify operations and tighten the noose around the kidnappers believed to be hiding inside the National Park forest.

Multiple security sources said sustained military offensives have significantly restricted the movement of the abductors, forcing them to scale back some of their earlier demands and focus mainly on ransom negotiations.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men stormed three schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the growing threat of terrorism and mass abductions in the South-West.

Security sources familiar with the ongoing operation disclosed that troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside other security agencies, have successfully blocked major escape routes leading out of the National Park forest where the victims are believed to be held.

The operation, supported by aerial surveillance and ground intelligence, has reportedly confined the kidnappers within a narrow forest corridor, making movement increasingly difficult. Officials said security operatives have maintained constant pressure on the armed group, with surveillance teams monitoring strategic routes connecting the forest to neighbouring states and border communities.

According to intelligence reports, the continuous military presence has disrupted the kidnappers’ operations and weakened their negotiating position.

Sources revealed that the abductors initially made a series of far-reaching demands, including the payment of ransom, the release of detained terrorist commanders, the provision of two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related laws.

Among those reportedly requested for release were Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri. Both men are believed to be senior members of Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, and were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) last year.

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However, fresh intelligence indicates that the kidnappers have abandoned several of those demands and are now concentrating primarily on ransom negotiations. Security insiders described the development as a sign that the group is coming under increasing pressure as troops continue to close in on their location.

The rescue operation has also received significant support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), which deployed surveillance aircraft to assist ground troops with real-time intelligence gathering. The aerial operation is aimed at tracking the movement of the kidnappers, identifying possible hideouts and preventing any attempt to relocate the victims through the vast forest terrain.

Security officials believe the combined air and ground operations have significantly reduced the kidnappers’ ability to manoeuvre, increasing optimism that the victims could soon be rescued safely.

The crisis took a tragic turn after reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers was killed while in captivity. Security officials believe the killing was intended to pressure authorities and instill fear among the families of the victims.

The development has heightened anxiety across Oriire Local Government Area, with residents anxiously awaiting positive news from the ongoing rescue mission. President Bola Tinubu condemned the killing and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the release of all remaining victims.

Investigations have revealed that the alleged leader of the kidnapping gang is an indigene of Oriire Local Government Area who reportedly lived within the community before becoming radicalised. Security sources said he later joined the Ansaru terrorist network and adopted extremist ideology.

The affected communities are strategically located near routes linking parts of Nigeria to the Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, making the area vulnerable to movements by armed groups. The dense forest and poor communication infrastructure have also complicated rescue operations.

Security agencies had reportedly received intelligence warnings about possible terrorist attacks targeting schools in the region before the incident occurred. Those warnings led to preventive measures, including the temporary closure of some schools, but the attackers still managed to carry out the coordinated assault that resulted in the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers.

Security analysts believe sustained offensives against terrorist organisations across Nigeria are forcing insurgents to abandon traditional strongholds and target vulnerable rural communities and schools. Recent operations against Ansaru, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly resulted in the elimination of at least 168 high-profile terrorist commanders, while several suspects have been arrested and many insurgents forced to flee into neighbouring countries.

A senior security official expressed confidence that ongoing operations are gradually weakening terrorist networks across the country.

“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 has issued a strong warning to them, and the signs of victory are already becoming evident,” the official said.

As military operations intensify and negotiations evolve, residents of Oriire and neighbouring communities remain hopeful that the 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers will soon regain their freedom. Families of the victims continue to pray for a peaceful resolution as security agencies push deeper into the forest in what officials describe as a decisive phase of the rescue operation.

Oyo School Kidnapping: Troops Tighten Siege as Abductors Drop Key Demands

Related Topics:Abductors demands Featured Kidnapping Oyo School

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“We’re Ready for Talks or War” — Bello Turji Dares FG After Deadly Sokoto Ambush

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Bello Turji Boasts of Killing Soldiers as Army Confirms Sokoto Weapons Camp

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Abuja Earth Tremor: Minister Orders Hourly Monitoring, Assures Residents of Safety

Published

35 minutes ago

August 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Abuja Earth Tremor: Minister Orders Hourly Monitoring, Assures Residents of Safety

The Federal Government has activated enhanced seismic monitoring following a light earth tremor that shook parts of the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday, with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, directing the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide hourly updates on seismic developments around Abuja. The directive came after the NGSA confirmed that several buildings across Abuja experienced vibrations on August 4, 2026, with the agency’s Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako recording the event at exactly 11:23:27 a.m.

According to the NGSA, the earth movement originated from a depth of one kilometre beneath the earth’s surface and spread across a distance of four kilometres within five seconds. The agency classified the incident as a “light event of I to II magnitude” on the Mercalli Intensity Scale, explaining that such tremors pose no threat to lives or property. “This is a characteristic feature of a surface earth tremor that poses no threat to lives and properties except for the discomfort of the shake and fear of possible destruction,” the agency stated.

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Alake, who is currently in Washington, D.C., United States, engaging American investors on joint venture opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, responded through a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise. He directed the NGSA to submit hourly reports on any fresh seismic developments for his regular review and, where necessary, onward communication to other relevant government agencies. The minister assured residents that proactive measures had been deployed to safeguard lives and property across affected locations, noting that government agencies are closely monitoring the situation. “Residents should go about their lawful activities without anxiety. Necessary measures have been deployed to ensure public safety,” Alake said.

Nigeria experiences occasional low-intensity earth tremors despite lying outside the world’s major earthquake zones. Isolated tremors have been recorded in parts of the country over the years, including in Abuja, Kaduna, Kogi, Oyo and Bayelsa states. The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency operates a network of seismic monitoring stations across the country to detect and analyse such events, providing early scientific assessments to guide emergency response and reassure the public. Experts have consistently noted that most tremors recorded in Nigeria have been of low magnitude and have not resulted in significant damage to lives or property, but they underscore the importance of continuous seismic monitoring and emergency preparedness.

Abuja Earth Tremor: Minister Orders Hourly Monitoring, Assures Residents of Safety

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Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun Loses Husband, Niyi Adeosun

Published

4 hours ago

August 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun and late Husband Adeniyi Adeosun

Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun Loses Husband, Niyi Adeosun

The Adeosun family has announced the passing of Mr. Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun, husband of former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun. He died on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, in Lagos at the age of 62.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the family confirmed the news “with profound sorrow, yet in total submission to the will of Almighty God.” The announcement was signed by Reverend C. A. Adeosun on behalf of the family.

According to the family, the late Anthony Adeosun was a distinguished businessman and a devoted Christian whose life was marked by integrity, generosity and unwavering faith. His character and values earned him admiration from all who knew him, as he remained devoted to serving God while making lasting contributions to his family and community. “Niyi was a distinguished businessman and a devoted Christian whose integrity, generosity, and steadfast faith touched the lives of all who knew him. He lived a life defined by hard work, service to God, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community,” the family’s statement read.

The deceased is survived by his wife, former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun; his cherished children; and his siblings, including Mr. Adewale (Wale) Adeosun, founder of Kuramo Capital Management, a leading African private equity firm with over $500 million under management. He is also survived by numerous other relatives, friends and associates.

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While mourning his death, the family said it was comforted by its Christian faith and the assurance of eternal rest for believers. They cited Revelation 14:13, which says: “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord… that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

The family has appealed to the public to respect its privacy as it mourns the loss, noting that details of the funeral and Christian burial arrangements would be announced in due course. The family also expressed appreciation to friends, associates and well-wishers who had reached out with prayers, condolences and support since the news of his passing. “We thank all who have reached out with prayers, condolences, and support. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement added.

Mrs. Kemi Adeosun served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance from 2015 to 2018 under the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari. During her tenure, she spearheaded a number of fiscal reforms, including the Whistle-blower policy, the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and the Efficiency Unit, which helped recover billions of naira and improve transparency in public finance. She has since devoted herself to philanthropy, focusing on uplifting vulnerable children and supporting the less privileged.

Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun Loses Husband, Niyi Adeosun

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176 Kwara Abductees Regain Freedom After Six Months in Captivity

Published

4 hours ago

August 6, 2026

Trends Admin

176 Kwara Abductees Regain Freedom After Six Months in Captivity

The Kwara State Government has confirmed the release of 176 residents abducted during the February 3, 2026 attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, bringing an end to nearly six months of captivity for the victims. The development was announced on Wednesday through a post on the state government’s official Facebook page by Olayinka Fafoluyi, media aide to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. The statement expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security forces for their role in securing the victims’ freedom. “Alhamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!” the statement read.

The victims, who spent 183 days in captivity following their abduction during one of the deadliest attacks in Kwara State’s history, were rescued on Wednesday in what officials described as a joint security operation. Confirming the development, the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kwara State, Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi, disclosed that the victims were being held at the Wawa Military Cantonment in neighbouring Niger State pending their transportation back to Kwara. “Yes, it’s true that they have been released, and I can’t tell for now whether ransom was paid or not. They are currently in Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger State because our people are not the only victims released. The Office of the Secretary to the State Government is currently arranging vehicles that will bring them to Ilorin,” Danladi stated.

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The victims were abducted when suspected Boko Haram-linked extremists invaded the rural communities of Woro and Nuku on motorcycles, launching a coordinated assault that reportedly lasted for several hours. The attack, regarded as one of the deadliest in the state’s history, reportedly claimed more than 200 lives, left several others injured, destroyed homes and businesses, and displaced many residents. Local vigilantes who attempted to resist the attackers were reportedly overwhelmed, with some allegedly trapped and burnt inside their operational office. In April, a video circulated on social media showing one of the abducted women appealing to the Kwara State Government to intensify efforts to secure their release. Speaking from captivity alongside fellow victims, the woman disclosed that the group included pregnant women, young children and sick persons. “We are from Woro in Kaiama local government. We were taken on February 3, and today is April 8. This is the last opportunity they have given us,” she said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Communications, Ibraheem Abdullateef, commended the efforts of security agencies and other stakeholders involved in the operation. He also expressed the state government’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and security personnel for their joint roles in securing the victims’ freedom. The member representing Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saidu Baba Ahmed, described the release as a major relief. “Yes, the Woro kidnap victims have been released. I’m very, very excited about this development. We give thanks to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and our security operatives,” the lawmaker said. However, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said he was yet to receive official confirmation when contacted. “I’m not aware, so I cannot confirm it. I made contacts to Kaiama Local Government; still, I couldn’t get concrete information,” the police commissioner stated.

Authorities have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release, including whether any rescue operation, negotiation or ransom payment led to their freedom. However, top sources in the Kwara State Government and State Security Service indicated that negotiations took place, though they did not mention whether payments were made. Last Friday, Chairman Danladi had dismissed claims that the government had abandoned the abducted residents, stating, “We have not forgotten them. We are collaborating with the state government to get them rescued. But this is a security matter and we cannot disclose everything on the pages of newspapers.” He had expressed confidence that the victims would soon regain their freedom.