Security forces have reportedly surrounded the Oyo National Park as efforts intensify to rescue pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on May 15, and sources familiar with the ongoing operation say the abductors have now been trapped inside the vast forest reserve.

According to security sources, the terrorists have adopted several tactics to frustrate rescue efforts, including planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and constantly relocating the victims to different locations within the forest to avoid detection.

The abductors are believed to be members of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, commonly known as Boko Haram.

Sources involved in the operation disclosed that the terrorists have also intensified attacks in other parts of the country in what security experts describe as a deliberate attempt to divert attention and stretch military resources deployed to the rescue mission in Oyo State.

Despite sustained pressure from troops and other security operatives, the terrorists have reportedly resisted rescue efforts fiercely. The operation has already claimed the lives of several soldiers.

One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the terrorists a day after the abduction, allegedly to discourage security operatives from advancing further into their hideout.

The abductors are said to have demanded the release of two senior Boko Haram commanders in exchange for the freedom of the kidnapped pupils and teachers. However, government authorities have maintained a firm stance against negotiating with terrorists and insist that efforts remain focused on securing the victims’ release through ongoing operations.

Security sources revealed that soldiers have successfully blocked all major exit routes from the forest, making it difficult for the terrorists to move the hostages out of the area.

However, the challenging terrain of the forest, coupled with the presence of landmines and IEDs, has slowed the progress of the rescue operation.

According to one source, the terrorists frequently move the hostages from one location to another as they become aware of military surveillance.

“They know security forces are closing in on them, so they keep changing locations. But they have been surrounded and cannot easily escape the forest,” the source said.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had earlier confirmed that soldiers lost their lives during the rescue mission, highlighting the dangers faced by security personnel operating within the forest.

A former lawmaker familiar with developments surrounding the operation stated that terrorist commanders have allegedly increased attacks in other regions of the country to force security agencies to redirect resources away from Oyo State.

According to him, the strategy is intended to reduce military pressure on those holding the abducted children and teachers captive.

Another security source disclosed that the terrorists are reportedly using the victims as human shields, making any direct assault highly risky.

The source warned that an aggressive military offensive could endanger the lives of the abducted pupils and teachers, potentially resulting in tragic casualties.

A retired Brigadier-General, John Sura, also noted that the increase in attacks elsewhere appears aimed at distracting security agencies from the rescue operation in Oyo State.

He urged security personnel to remain focused and avoid being drawn away from the mission, stressing that the terrorists’ actions are part of a broader strategy to weaken pressure on the group holding the hostages.

As the operation enters its sixth week, authorities remain optimistic that the abducted pupils and teachers will be rescued safely despite the difficult conditions and evolving tactics employed by the terrorists.