The armed group responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oyo State has reportedly outlined a series of conditions for the release of the victims, who were seized during coordinated attacks in Oriire Local Government Area last month.
The schools, located in Esinele, Yawota, and Alawusa communities, came under attack on May 15, when gunmen stormed the areas and abducted several students and teachers.
According to reports, the kidnappers have presented four major demands to authorities before they will consider freeing the captives.
The group is reportedly demanding the release of two detained terrorist suspects, a ransom payment estimated at ₦1 billion, the provision of two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of a Sharia-related legal arrangement.
“The release of our leaders, payment of ransom, provision of vehicles, and acceptance of our conditions are necessary before any discussion about releasing the victims can take place,” the abductors were quoted as demanding.
The two individuals named by the kidnappers are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, who is also known by aliases including Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri, and Mallam Mamuda.
Both men have been linked to Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (Ansaru), an extremist group that emerged as a splinter faction of Boko Haram and has been associated with several attacks across Nigeria.
Security records indicate that the suspects were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently facing prosecution before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Usman was previously convicted on a separate illegal mining charge after allegedly admitting that proceeds from the operation were used to finance weapons purchases and criminal activities.
A security source familiar with the case said, “Mahmud Usman remains in the custody of the Department of State Services despite his conviction on the mining offence because other serious charges against him are still before the court.”
His deputy, Abubakar Abba, has reportedly pleaded not guilty to multiple terrorism-related charges and remains on trial.
In addition to the release of the two suspects, the kidnappers are said to be demanding approximately ₦1 billion, which they reportedly want transferred to an account located in the Republic of Benin.
The development has heightened concerns over the safety of the abducted pupils and teachers, as authorities continue efforts to secure their release while managing growing public pressure over the prolonged captivity of the victims.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies and the Oyo State Government had not publicly indicated whether any negotiations were ongoing regarding the demands.
