Oriire abduction: Troops close in on kidnappers’ hideout

.168 high-profile terrorist commanders neutralised

•Abdulsalaam urges Nigerians to unite against terror, support security agencies to defeat evi

FRESH details have emerged on the intensive efforts by the authorities to rescue the 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers from Ahoro-Esiele, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered at the weekend that troops and other security operatives have closed in on the surroundings of the hideout of the kidnappers in the National Park forest, in the vigorous move to secure the victims and avert possible escape of the kidnappers.

The schoolchildren and their teachers were on June 15 kidnapped, when the kidnappers invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, as well as two other schools in Esiele.

As the operatives intensified the rescue efforts at the weekend, a former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, called on Nigerians to fully rally round the security agencies in the battle against terrorism, and other violent crimes across the country.

The sources said troops and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation have effectively surrounded the hideout of the kidnappers within the National Park forest area, where they have held pupils and teachers hostage for weeks.

It was further learnt that the terrorists have been effectively contained within the forest, with security operatives blocking possible escape routes and restricting their movement with the hostages.

The increasing siege by the security operatives to the hideout is said to have triggered severe pressure on the terrorists, their resort to arm twisting tactics, including the recent callous killing of one of the abducted teachers.

According to the sources, the resort to the brutal killing is meant to blackmail the authorities and suspend the aggressive and collaborative operation by security agencies to secure the release of the victims.

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It would be recalled that the criminals initially listed four major demands, including the release of detained terrorist commanders before the victims could regain their freedom.

The names of such commanders sought for their unconditional release include Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, both identified as senior members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram.

The suspects are currently in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS) following their arrest by operatives of the agency in 2025.

But, as the security forces tighten the noose on the terrorists, they are said to have backed down on some of their earlier demands and are now largely seeking a ransom payment.

The Nigerian Tribune gathered that sources within the affected communities have been able to identify the leader of the kidnap gang, as someone who was born in the community in Oriire Local Government Area, who had lived peacefully among residents before becoming indoctrinated by the Ansaru terrorist group.

Incidentally, the affected communities are at the verge of Nigeria’s border corridor leading towards the Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, with established challenging terrain and lack of communication networks.

More details also showed that intelligence reports previously uncovered plans by terrorists to attack schools in the area, necessitating some proactive moves, including the shutting of some schools by the authorities temporarily.

The sources equally said the sustained military offensives against terror groups across the country have forced many insurgents to abandon their traditional strongholds and launch attacks on vulnerable civilian targets, including remote communities such as those in Oriire Local Government Area.

For months now, security agencies have been reported to have recorded significant successes against members of Ansaru, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), aided by intelligence provided by the DSS.

Competent sources told the Nigerian Tribune that not less than 168 high-profile terrorist commanders, have been neutralised during recent operations, with scores of others arrested.

Besides, many insurgents have reportedly fled into neighbouring countries in search of refuge.

A senior security officer, who pleaded to remain anonymous, was confident that the war against terrorism would ultimately be won.

“The war against terrorism will be won. We will not relenting in the ongoing offensive until these criminals are either eliminated or forced out of the country. President Bola Tinubu recently issued a strong warning to them. The signs of victory are already becoming evident,” the officer said.

In the meantime, former Head of State, General Abubakar, in a statement issued to mark his 84th birthday, Abdulsalami, described the recent death of retired General Abubakar Rabbe and other victims of insecurity as a sobering reminder of the challenges confronting the country.

General Abdulsalami, who reflected on his sojourn in the military, which included service during the Nigerian Civil War and peacekeeping missions abroad, acknowledged that many countries are grappling with economic and security challenges, but urged Nigerians to rally together to preserve peace and national unity.

He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies for their resilience in combating terrorism, emphasising, however, that the battle must not be left to security personnel alone.

He cautioned against politicisation of security matters, a tendency he noted, has worsened the security situation and brought us to where we are today.

“Let us join forces with government and security agencies at all levels to defeat these evil ones, who do not recognise ethnicity, religion, political party, communal life or other forms of identity.

“Propaganda for political and other selfish gains is also giving oxygen to terrorist groups.

“The use of fake news on social media to propagate false narratives has served to encourage terrorists and other criminal groups.

“The success of one terrorist group encourages another, and unless we have a rethink, we will continue to promote this crisis,” he warned.

Part of his statement read:

“I, General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, GCFR, on this occasion of my 84th birthday wish to appreciate all Nigerians for all their love and support all through these years.

“On this special day, I have had to pause and reflect over the state of things in our dear country. As an officer of the Nigerian Army, the recent tragic death of General Rabbe, along with that of so many others, marks a defining moment for us as a country.

“This is very significant to me having served in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, fought in Nigeria Civil War and led Nigerian troops in peace keeping operations in other countries. I acknowledge that many nations of the world are passing through series of economic and security challenges, and Nigeria is no exception. What is needed now is to support efforts to maintain order in the country.

“It is clear that the success of attaining this objective must be inclusive. The armed forces and all other security agencies have been very strong in the fight against terrorism. But this is not their fight alone. Every citizen has a stake and it is my plea that Nigerians unite to fight against terror.

 “Over the years, politicisation of security matters has worsened the situation and this has brought us to where we are today. Let us join forces with government and security agencies at all levels to defeat these evil ones, who do not recognise ethnicity, religion, political party, communal life or other forms of identity.

“Propaganda for political and other selfish gains is also giving oxygen to terrorist groups. The use of fake news on social media to propagate false narratives has served to encourage terrorists and other criminal groups. The success of one terrorist group encourages another, and unless we have a rethink, we will continue to promote this crisis.

“I urge the armed forces and security agencies to continue their efforts, resolve and firmness in this fight and not to be discouraged. I urge government should in every manner continue to take decisive actions and resolve to bring tragedy to an end.

“Nigeria is the only country we have. I joined the army to defend it with my life. I am a firm believer in a united and peaceful Nigeria. At my age, it was and is still my dream that we hand over to our children a united and prosperous nation.

“I appeal to all our citizens to remain calm and law abiding. The task ahead requires our collective vigilance. I pray for comfort to the families of our fallen heroes.

“Once again, my family and I remain deeply grateful for your support. May Allah help us rebuild our dear country. God bless Nigeria.”