By The Metro 
More than a month after pupils and teachers were abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the terrorists behind the attack have intensified efforts to frustrate ongoing rescue operations.
According to reports by The Punch, the abductors, identified as members of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, the formal name of Boko Haram, have been changing locations within the Oyo National Park while reportedly planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) across parts of the forest to frustrate the efforts of troops and other security operatives deployed to rescue the victims.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 during attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele. At least 42 pupils and teachers, including a principal, were taken away during the attacks. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed the following day.
Sources familiar with the operation disclosed that security forces have sealed off possible escape routes from the forest, making it difficult for the terrorists to move the captives out of the area. Despite this, the operation has suffered setbacks, including the loss of some military personnel during encounters with the abductors.
The sources also claimed that the terrorists frequently change locations within the forest to avoid detection and capture.
Meanwhile, the abductors are said to be demanding the release of two of their commanders in exchange for the kidnapped pupils and teachers. However, the government has maintained its position against negotiating with terrorists.
Security sources further revealed that the captives are being used as human shields, a development they said has complicated efforts to carry out a direct rescue operation.
There are also indications that attacks in other parts of the country may have increased in recent weeks as part of attempts to divert security attention and stretch available resources deployed for the rescue mission.
Retired military officers who spoke on the development said security agencies must remain focused on rescuing the victims while relying on intelligence-driven strategies to avoid putting the lives of those in captivity at greater risk.
The Oyo State Government, however, said it would continue to be cautious about releasing information relating to the operation. According to the government, details of the rescue efforts would only come from authorised sources to avoid jeopardising the safety of the abducted pupils and teachers.
When contacted, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, declined to comment on the operation.