ABUJA, Nigeria — Armed terrorists linked to the Islamist group Ansaru are demanding the release of two convicted terrorist commanders, a ₦1 billion ($734,000) ransom, the return of two vehicles, and the introduction of Sharia-related legislation in exchange for dozens of Christian students and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo state.
The captives — more than 40 students, seven teachers, and a school principal — were seized when gunmen attacked schools in the communities of Esinele, Yawota, and Alawusa in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, has been killed in captivity. Terrorists circulated a video showing his beheading, and Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the death.
The abductors are demanding the release of Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas Mukhtar, and Mallam Mamuda, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, also known as Isah Adam and Mahmud Al-Nigeri. Both are alleged leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan, an Islamist extremist group regarded as a splinter faction of Boko Haram. Security records indicate both men were arrested in 2025 and face terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Usman pleaded guilty to illegal mining charges connected to financing terrorism and received a 15-year prison sentence in September 2025 but faces additional terrorism charges. Abubakar Abba has pleaded not guilty and remains on trial.
The demand for Sharia-related amendments to state law marks an explicitly ideological dimension to the hostage crisis, distinguishing it from purely criminal kidnapping-for-ransom operations that have plagued Nigeria. Armed extremist groups including Boko Haram, Ansaru, and the Islamic State West Africa Province have carried out sustained attacks against civilians, churches, schools, and community leaders across the country. International Christian Concern has documented numerous incidents involving church attacks, kidnappings of clergy, and abductions of students from Christian schools. Some reports indicate the ransom is to be transferred to a bank account in the Republic of Benin, though authorities have not publicly verified that claim.
Oyo State Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade declined to disclose details of any negotiations, saying that revealing government strategies could undermine rescue efforts. Security personnel have concentrated operations around the Old Oyo National Park, where intelligence officials believe the terrorists may be operating.
The Oyo State House of Assembly has publicly rejected negotiations involving the release of convicted terrorists. Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin argued that such concessions could encourage additional abductions. Lawmaker Johnson Ogundele, who represents Oriire State Constituency, urged authorities to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities. Legislators called for a permanent military base in Oriire Local Government Area and recommended perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and solar-powered security lighting for schools near forested areas.
Retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi warned that releasing individuals facing terrorism charges “could create additional security challenges and potentially strengthen extremist networks.” Retired Brigadier-General Peter Aro urged authorities to prioritize verification of the hostages’ condition. Authorities have not announced any agreement with the kidnappers, and efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives through both negotiation and security operations remain ongoing.