Fears for children’s safety stall military rescue operations in Borno, Oyo, abductions

Military efforts to rescue dozens of pupils and teachers kidnapped in separate school attacks in Oyo and Borno states have been slowed by growing concerns over the safety of the hostages, with security sources revealing that the abductors are moving with the victims and using them as shields while demanding the release of detained terrorist commanders.

The situation has intensified public concern and renewed scrutiny of the country’s persistent security challenges.

Rescue operations in separate school attacks in Oyo and Borno states have been slowed by growing concerns over the safety of the hostages, with security sources revealing that the abductors are moving with the victims and using them as shields while demanding the release of detained terrorist commanders.

The development comes amid growing public outrage over the persistent insecurity across the country, with parents, civil society groups and concerned citizens demanding the immediate release of the abducted children and teachers, as well as decisive action to end the violence that has plagued parts of Nigeria for more than two decades.

Sources familiar with the ongoing rescue efforts told BusinessDay that one of the key challenges confronting security forces is the demand by the abductors for the release of detained Mahmud Muhammad Usman, suspected Ansaru commanders, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, his deputy, both of whom are currently in government custody in exchange for the hostages.

According to the top military source, security operatives have identified the location of the kidnappers and are closely monitoring their movements.

However, authorities are reluctant to launch a direct operation because the abductors are constantly moving alongside the children.

“Their location is known, and we are monitoring their movements. The terrorists are constantly moving with the children and, in some cases, carrying them. That is why we have to be very careful in our approach”, the source said.

The source explained that the abductors have deliberately positioned themselves among the hostages, making any military intervention highly risky.

“They are using the children as shields. Even if you deploy snipers and successfully neutralise one of them, there is the possibility that the others could retaliate by killing the children,” the source added.

Security officials say the combination of the hostage situation and the kidnappers’ demand for the release of detained terrorist commanders has significantly complicated rescue efforts.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that educational institutions remain vulnerable targets, particularly in rural and underserved areas where security presence is limited.

Families of the abducted pupils and teachers have continued to appeal to the federal and state governments to do everything possible to ensure the victims’ safe return, while urging security agencies to act swiftly.

The incidents in Oyo and Borno have once again drawn attention to the challenge of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria, with many citizens expressing frustration over the prolonged insecurity that has disrupted education, displaced communities and claimed thousands of lives over the years.

Since May 15, armed men have held scores of pupils, teachers and school staff abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State

The victims, including young children and a two-year-old toddler, have remained in captivity for more than two weeks