Efforts to secure the release of dozens of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have intensified, with security agencies reportedly tightening operations against the kidnappers.

Security sources said troops have increased surveillance and blocked potential escape routes in a bid to rescue the victims and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the abduction.

The victims, comprising 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers from three communities in the council area, were kidnapped in an attack that has raised fresh concerns about security in schools and rural communities.

According to reports, the kidnappers are now facing mounting pressure from ongoing security operations. Sources indicated that the group has reportedly softened some of its initial demands and is focusing primarily on ransom negotiations, a development seen by observers as a possible indication that the sustained crackdown is affecting its operations.

Investigations have also linked the gang’s leader to Oriire Local Government Area. The suspect is reportedly an indigene of the area who allegedly became radicalised through associations with the Ansaru terrorist group.

Security sources further disclosed that among the kidnappers’ earlier demands was the release of two alleged Ansaru commanders, identified as Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and Abubakar Abba, also known as Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri. Both men were reportedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) last year.

Authorities said intelligence-led operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible for the attack.

Meanwhile, families of the abductees, community leaders and residents remain hopeful that the victims will soon be reunited with their loved ones, as calls grow for stronger security measures to protect schools and vulnerable communities from criminal attacks.