The armed group responsible for abducting teachers and students from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has reportedly outlined four conditions for the release of those in captivity.
The attackers, who stormed schools in the Esinele, Yawota, and Alawusa communities on May 15, are said to be demanding the freedom of two detained militant leaders, a ransom payment, two Hilux trucks, and the enforcement of Sharia-related legislation.
READ MORE: FIFA Eases Water Bottle Restrictions for 2026 World Cup Fans Following Backlash
The individuals whose release is being sought have been identified as Mahmud Usman, popularly known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his second-in-command, Abubakar Abba, also known by the aliases Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri, and Mallam Mamuda.
Both men are senior figures in Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (JAMBS), commonly called Ansaru, a splinter group that emerged from Boko Haram. Authorities accuse them of supporting and facilitating terrorist activities across Nigeria between 2013 and 2015.
They have also been linked to the Kuje Correctional Centre jailbreak that occurred in 2022.
The suspects were apprehended between May and July 2025 and are currently facing terrorism-related charges before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case, filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/464/2025, commenced on January 15, 2026.
On September 11, 2025, Usman received a 15-year prison sentence after admitting to illegal mining activities, which he confessed were used to finance the acquisition of weapons for terrorism and kidnapping operations. Although he pleaded guilty to that count, he denied 31 additional charges and remains in DSS custody pending further trial.
Abba, on the other hand, rejected all 32 charges brought against him and continues to stand trial before the same court.
Reports further indicate that the kidnappers are requesting a ransom of ₦1 billion, allegedly to be transferred into a bank account located in the Republic of Benin.
Security experts have cautioned against complying with the demand to release the detained commanders, warning that such a move could undermine national security efforts.
Retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi stated that the government faces a difficult dilemma, noting that paying ransom or freeing terrorist leaders could encourage more criminal activities and provide resources for future attacks.
Similarly, retired Brigadier-General Peter Aro advised authorities to first obtain evidence that the kidnapped victims remain alive before making any decisions. He stressed that extended periods in captivity could have severe consequences, especially for the children involved.
The Oyo State Government has refrained from publicly discussing the kidnappers’ demands or ongoing negotiations. Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said revealing details of the government’s approach at this stage would be counterproductive to efforts aimed at securing the victims’ safe return.
Two days after the abductions, on May 17, the kidnappers released a video showing the execution of one of the captured teachers, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics instructor at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele.
Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed the teacher’s death in a statement issued on May 18, describing the incident as heartbreaking and tragic.
About The Author
