Three Soldiers Killed As Military Battles Boko Haram To Rescue Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

At least three military personnel have been killed during ongoing efforts to rescue dozens of pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Oyo State.

The terrorists, believed to be members of the extremist group Jama'atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda'Awati Wal-Jihad, commonly known as Boko Haram, are reportedly trapped within the Oyo National Park following a sustained military offensive to free the victims 36 days after the attack.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area—Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele.

No fewer than 42 pupils and teachers, including a school principal, were seized during the coordinated attacks.

Security sources involved in the rescue mission disclosed that the terrorists have adopted guerrilla tactics to frustrate efforts by troops, including planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) across strategic locations in the forest and relocating frequently to avoid detection.

According to the sources, the insurgents have also allegedly coordinated attacks in other parts of the country to divert security attention and stretch operational resources.

A security operative, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the operation, confirmed that the rescue mission has suffered casualties.

"They have planted IEDs everywhere and our men are exploring professional methods to navigate the difficult areas," the source said.

"Some soldiers have been killed in the operation. There have been shootouts on two occasions. The military lost three personnel in those shootouts. Just two weeks ago, two soldiers were killed in the forest. That has really slowed down the operation, but we are not relenting."

The source further revealed that the terrorists have been shifting their hostages from one location to another almost daily.

"They know they are being monitored and that security operatives are everywhere. So, they move their victims from one place to another. But they can't leave the forest. They have been surrounded," the source added.

The insurgents are also said to have demanded the release of two of their commanders in exchange for the abducted pupils and teachers.

The commanders were identified as Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara'a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, popularly called Mallam Mamuda.

However, government authorities have reportedly rejected negotiations with the terrorists, insisting that efforts remain focused on securing the safe rescue of the victims.

The operation suffered an early setback when one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the terrorists a day after the abduction, allegedly to discourage advancing security forces.

Earlier this week, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that military personnel had lost their lives during the rescue efforts.

Addressing protesters in the state, the governor said, "We have lost men, even soldiers and officers. I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed two days ago."

Despite the challenges posed by the difficult terrain and the insurgents' tactics, security operatives maintain that all escape routes from the forest have been sealed, raising hopes that the abducted pupils and teachers may eventually be rescued.