Oriire Terrorists’ Wives May Be Prosecuted Amid Fresh Calls For Borno Pupils’ Release

Some wives of suspected terrorists involved in the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State may face prosecution if ongoing investigations confirm their active participation in the kidnapping operation, security sources have revealed.

The development comes after the successful rescue of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities on 15 May 2026 after one teacher was murdered during captivity on 10 July.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested several wives and children of the suspected kidnappers during intelligence-led operations carried out in different parts of the country, as security agencies intensified efforts to locate the abductors, security sources familiar with the operation said.

The family members were later taken to Abuja where the women were questioned as part of the investigation.

Federal government officials were making a distinction between relatives who were simply linked to the suspects and others who may have been active in their activities, security sources said.

One source said: “Children who have committed no offence will be released but any of the wives found to have played active roles in the criminal enterprise will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Investigators believe the arrests of the family members became a critical factor in the operation, reducing the chance that the terrorists would harm the abducted victims. Simultaneously, security forces tightened their cordon around the kidnappers’ hideout in the forest of the National Park.

Sources say the kidnappers became more responsive in contacts with negotiators after weeks of sustained military pressure and intelligence gathering. Finally they demanded the release of their wives in return for freeing the hostages and for guarantees of safe passage.

The proposal was rejected by the security agencies, who insisted that the victims be released unconditionally and the terrorists surrender or face military action.

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Later intelligence indicated the hostages were no longer being used as human shields and security authorities authorised a coordinated assault on the terrorists’ camp.

All surviving schoolchildren and teachers were rescued by the operation, while scores of terrorists were reportedly killed and eight suspects were arrested.

Security sources said the operation’s handling reflected the federal government’s policy of refusing to pay ransom or negotiate with terrorist groups.

The abductors were said to have demanded ransom, two Hilux vehicles, the release of detained Ansaru commanders including Mahmud Usman, aka Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar and his deputy, Abubakar Abba aka Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri and enforcement of Sharia-related laws as conditions for freeing the victims.

Authorities have dismissed the demands, preferring a sustained intelligence and military operation.

Security agencies are investigating the activities of the arrested suspects and family members and will decide on the criminal charges and release of any individuals.

Borno Youths Protest Over Insecurity, Demand More Action After Oyo Rescue

Meanwhile, youths and students in Borno State on Sunday campaigned against the worsening insecurity bedevilling the country, and called on the government to take stronger action against Boko Haram and bandits following the successful rescue of 44 Oyo students.

The campaign tagged #UniteAgainstTerror, brought student groups and youths across the state for an awareness campaign, at the Post Office area of Maiduguri, the state’s capital.

The leader of the Youths and Students Forum in Borno State, Suleiman Muhammed, who spoke during the protest, commended the federal government on the rescue of the abducted students in Oyo State, and called for stronger action to rescue all kidnapped victims in Borno State.

Muhammed also cautioned against falling for the antics of the terrorist group by acceding to its demands for ransom payments, saying if such requests were granted, they could further worsen insecurity in the country.

“This campaign today is to call our people, youths and all Nigerians citizens to join in one voice and fight against terrorism.

“Considering what has happened in Oriire, Oyo State, the government has tried not to accept the demands of the terrorists. Also, our security agencies have done what they are supposed to do.

“We believe the government will do the same in Borno State. “We know the government will not take sides on the problem of a particular region,” he said.

He called for more strategic efforts to end insecurity by investing in youth empowerment and creating an enabling environment for the masses to thrive while appreciating the government.

“We appreciate what the government has been doing, but we want to call on them to please do more to bring an end to this insurgency.

“There is also a need for the government to provide an enabling environment for the youths to reduce the rate of crime in the country,” Muhammed further said.

The protest also called for political will through investment in security and support for security agencies.

One of them, Khadijat Abdullahi, said “For this fight to stop, the government must invest in the security system of the country by equipping troops and improving their welfare.

“They must also look beyond the fight by identifying the underlying causes that make people turn to crime. One of them is poorness. “Youths need employment and opportunities in the country,” she stressed.

Placards displayed at the campaign ground read: Unity Our Weapon Against Terrorism; Say No To Collaborating With Terrorists; Say No To Terrorism And Yes To Peace; Terror Divides, Unity Prevails.

Other included We Stand Together Against Terrorism and Criminality, We Are Stronger Together, and A Secure Nigeria Begins With All of Us.