Oyo school kidnap: Security forces trace abductors’ network, associates

•Ex-military officers back strategy, urge caution

By Evelyn Usman

LAGOS —STRONG indications have emerged that pressure is mounting on the abductors of schoolchildren and teachers from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, following a major intelligence breakthrough that has enabled security agencies to identify members of the kidnapping gang and trace some of their associates across the country.

The development, security sources said, has unsettled the abductors, who are now under intense psychological pressure after realising that operatives have established links to members of their support network.

This came as the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, expressed confidence in the ongoing rescue operation, declaring that troops were making steady progress towards securing the victims’ release.