Difficult terrain, concerns for the safety of dozens of abducted pupils and teachers, and demands for the release of detained terrorist commanders have complicated efforts to rescue victims of recent school attacks in Oyo and Borno states, according to security and government sources.
Officials familiar with the situation said the kidnappers are demanding the release of senior leaders of the extremist group Ansaru in exchange for the captives. The Federal Government has so far rejected the proposal despite growing public pressure to secure the victims’ freedom.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, identified the detained commanders as Mahmud Muhammad Usman and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, both of whom are in government custody.
A presidency source said the abductions in Oyo and Borno were coordinated and timed to increase pressure on the government and strengthen the kidnappers’ negotiating position.
According to the source, the attackers are seeking the release of high-profile terrorist leaders arrested during intelligence-led operations announced in 2025 by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The source said authorities face a difficult choice between securing the release of the children and preventing the return of experienced terrorist commanders who could resume militant activities if freed.
The rescue effort has also been complicated by the challenging terrain where the hostages are believed to be held. Officials said security agencies are cautious about launching military operations that could endanger the lives of the children and teachers.
On May 15, armed men attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting pupils, students and staff from multiple educational institutions. One of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by his captors.
The same day, suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked schools in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and abducted between 42 and 50 schoolchildren.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks, describing them as barbaric, and pledged that security agencies would rescue the victims and bring those responsible to justice.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has called for the immediate and safe release of the abducted children and teachers.
Following a meeting in Abuja with officials from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria Mohamed Malick Fall described the attacks as a serious threat to education and child protection.
“The UN Resident Coordinator is deeply saddened that these school children and their teachers are still being held by armed groups. Schools must remain safe havens for learning and not places of fear,” Fall said.
He urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of all abducted victims and called for those responsible for the attacks to be held accountable.
At a national security briefing in Abuja, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers remains a top priority for the government.
“The President has made it clear that no child belongs in captivity and that no effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice,” Idris said.
He said security agencies, including the military, police, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency and National Counter Terrorism Centre, are conducting coordinated intelligence and rescue operations.
The minister also announced the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in vulnerable communities and forest regions.
Civil society organizations, however, criticized the government’s handling of insecurity, accusing authorities of failing to adequately protect citizens.
In a joint statement marking the National Day of Mourning, more than 90 organizations, including Amnesty International Nigeria, SERAP and Yiaga Africa, said persistent killings, kidnappings and attacks reflected deep governance failures.
The groups cited figures indicating that nearly 20,000 people have been killed and more than 12,000 abducted since May 2023, while over 1,400 security personnel have died in active service.
The coalition urged the government to strengthen intelligence gathering, dismantle kidnapping networks and improve support for victims of violence.
Student leaders also joined calls for urgent action. The National Association of Nigerian Students pledged support for efforts to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers, warning that insecurity is creating fear among students and parents and threatening access to education.
Opposition criticism intensified as the Peoples Redemption Party called on President Tinubu to resign, arguing that worsening insecurity demonstrates a failure of leadership.
Security experts, meanwhile, urged the government to adopt more technology-driven strategies, improve intelligence sharing and strengthen partnerships with private security operators to address growing security challenges across the country.
As rescue efforts continue, authorities remain under increasing pressure to secure the release of the hostages while balancing concerns about negotiating with armed groups and the risks of a military intervention.
