By our reporter 22.6.2026
Nigerian security forces aided by local outfits have practically cornered the terror gang that is holding 42 students and teachers hostage, after kidnapping them from different schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to reports the search party including the Nigeria army troops, Police, Department of State Services agents and local vigilantes have surrounded the hideout of the terror gang operating under the name of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram.
“The terror gang has been contained within the Oyo National Park forest with security operatives blocking possible escape routes and restricting their movement with the hostages,” said a security source.
It was gathered that due to mounting pressure the gang recently killed one other teacher in a bid to slow the advance of the security team.
The students were kidnapped on May 15 with the terror gang making a ransom demand, which include release of their commanders captured by the DSS since 2025, they also asked for Hilux vans implementation of Sharia-related laws.
Among those whose release was demanded are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, giving an update on Monday said the students and teachers are close to been released from captivity.
“The update is that all agencies, including government, are working very hard. I can assure you that within the shortest possible time, the children and their teachers will be free,” he said.