Thirty-six days after gunmen abducted 42 pupils and education workers from three schools in Oyo State, security officials say efforts to rescue the victims have entered a decisive stage.
According to Vanguard, intelligence reports indicated that the abductors had been trapped within the Oyo National Park, where security forces are conducting operations to rescue the captives and dismantle the network behind the attack.
The victims were abducted on May 15 from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele.
Security sources involved in the rescue operation identified the kidnappers as members of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, popularly known as Boko Haram.
They said intelligence assessments showed that the group had established operational cells capable of exploiting forest corridors across several states.
A retired security analyst described the development as “a warning signal that terrorism in Nigeria is becoming more adaptive and geographically fluid.”
He said, “The assumption that the South-West is immune from extremist infiltration can no longer be sustained.
“What we are witnessing is an insurgent movement attempting to create new footholds while avoiding direct confrontation in areas where military pressure remains intense.”
According to intelligence sources, security forces have blocked escape routes within the park, creating what one operative described as a “containment environment” around the kidnappers.
However, the terrain has slowed the rescue mission.
Security officials said the terrorists had planted improvised explosive devices in parts of the forest, forcing troops to advance cautiously.
Several security personnel have reportedly been killed during clashes with the insurgents, including a Nigerian Army lieutenant.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, recently confirmed casualties among soldiers involved in the operation.
A security source said, “This is not a conventional battlefield. The terrorists are mobile, they know the terrain, and they are constantly changing locations.
“Every movement has to be carefully planned because a single mistake can result in casualties among troops or hostages.”
