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.
