Detained Terrorists' Wives May Face Prosecution As Borno Youths Demand Rescue Of Abducted Victims
Some wives of suspected terrorists linked to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State may face prosecution if ongoing investigations establish that they actively participated in the kidnapping, according to security sources.
The development follows the July 10 rescue of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers who were kidnapped from the Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, 2026. One teacher was reportedly killed while in captivity.
Security sources said operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested several wives and children of the suspected kidnappers during intelligence-led operations across different parts of the country.
The family members were taken to Abuja for questioning as investigators sought information that could aid efforts to locate the abductors.
Authorities said investigations are distinguishing between relatives who had no involvement in the crimes and those who may have actively supported the kidnappers.
While children found to have committed no offence are expected to be released, any wife found to have participated in the criminal activities could be prosecuted in line with the law.
According to security officials, the arrests of the family members increased pressure on the kidnappers and reduced the likelihood of harm to the hostages as security forces tightened their operations around the terrorists' hideout in the National Park forest.
Sources added that after weeks of sustained military operations and intelligence gathering, the kidnappers sought the release of their detained wives in exchange for the freedom of the hostages and guarantees of safe passage.
The Federal Government reportedly rejected the proposal, insisting on the unconditional release of the victims while demanding the surrender of the terrorists.
Following fresh intelligence that the hostages were no longer being used as human shields, security agencies authorised a coordinated assault on the terrorists' camp.
The operation led to the rescue of all surviving schoolchildren and teachers, while scores of terrorists were reportedly killed and eight suspects arrested.
Officials said the operation reflected the Federal Government's policy of refusing to pay ransom or negotiate with terrorist groups.
The kidnappers had reportedly demanded a ransom, two Hilux vehicles, the release of detained Ansaru commanders, including Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara'a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, as well as the implementation of Sharia-related laws before releasing the captives. The demands were rejected.
Meanwhile, youths and students in Borno State staged a peaceful awareness campaign under the hashtag #UniteAgainstTerror, urging the government to intensify efforts against Boko Haram and banditry.
Speaking during the campaign in Maiduguri, the leader of the Youths and Students Forum in Borno State, Suleiman Muhammed, commended the successful rescue of the abducted victims in Oyo State and urged the government to replicate similar operations in Borno.
He also warned against negotiating with terrorists or paying ransom, arguing that such concessions would encourage further criminal activities.
Muhammed called for sustained military action, youth empowerment programmes and improved economic opportunities to address the root causes of insecurity.
Another participant, Khadijat Abdullahi, appealed to the government to strengthen the country's security architecture by providing better equipment and welfare for security personnel, stressing that greater investment in security would help bring lasting peace.
The development follows the July 10 rescue of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers who were kidnapped from the Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, 2026. One teacher was reportedly killed while in captivity.
Security sources said operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested several wives and children of the suspected kidnappers during intelligence-led operations across different parts of the country.
The family members were taken to Abuja for questioning as investigators sought information that could aid efforts to locate the abductors.
Authorities said investigations are distinguishing between relatives who had no involvement in the crimes and those who may have actively supported the kidnappers.
While children found to have committed no offence are expected to be released, any wife found to have participated in the criminal activities could be prosecuted in line with the law.
According to security officials, the arrests of the family members increased pressure on the kidnappers and reduced the likelihood of harm to the hostages as security forces tightened their operations around the terrorists' hideout in the National Park forest.
Sources added that after weeks of sustained military operations and intelligence gathering, the kidnappers sought the release of their detained wives in exchange for the freedom of the hostages and guarantees of safe passage.
The Federal Government reportedly rejected the proposal, insisting on the unconditional release of the victims while demanding the surrender of the terrorists.
Following fresh intelligence that the hostages were no longer being used as human shields, security agencies authorised a coordinated assault on the terrorists' camp.
The operation led to the rescue of all surviving schoolchildren and teachers, while scores of terrorists were reportedly killed and eight suspects arrested.
Officials said the operation reflected the Federal Government's policy of refusing to pay ransom or negotiate with terrorist groups.
The kidnappers had reportedly demanded a ransom, two Hilux vehicles, the release of detained Ansaru commanders, including Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara'a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, as well as the implementation of Sharia-related laws before releasing the captives. The demands were rejected.
Meanwhile, youths and students in Borno State staged a peaceful awareness campaign under the hashtag #UniteAgainstTerror, urging the government to intensify efforts against Boko Haram and banditry.
Speaking during the campaign in Maiduguri, the leader of the Youths and Students Forum in Borno State, Suleiman Muhammed, commended the successful rescue of the abducted victims in Oyo State and urged the government to replicate similar operations in Borno.
He also warned against negotiating with terrorists or paying ransom, arguing that such concessions would encourage further criminal activities.
Muhammed called for sustained military action, youth empowerment programmes and improved economic opportunities to address the root causes of insecurity.
Another participant, Khadijat Abdullahi, appealed to the government to strengthen the country's security architecture by providing better equipment and welfare for security personnel, stressing that greater investment in security would help bring lasting peace.
