Oyo Police Command Arrest Six Suspects Over School Children, Teachers Abduction

The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of the state, with the arrest of six suspects and the exposure of a network of informants and logistics providers linked to the crime.

Despite the arrests, security authorities disclosed that the core armed bandits believed to be holding some of the victims captive deep within forest hideouts have yet to be apprehended, prompting intensified rescue and manhunt operations across the region.

According to security sources, the arrests so far have focused on dismantling the criminal infrastructure that supports the kidnappers rather than the gunmen themselves.

Investigators revealed that the suspects played critical roles in facilitating communication, collecting ransom payments, providing intelligence, and ensuring logistical support for the armed criminals operating from remote forest enclaves.

Among those arrested are two suspects identified as Babangida and Kabiru, who were apprehended in the Ojoo area of Ibadan while allegedly attempting to collect ransom payments on behalf of the kidnappers.

Security operatives described the duo as key intermediaries who maintained contact between the forest-based bandits and individuals outside the criminal camps.

Investigators believe their arrest has provided valuable intelligence into the workings of the kidnapping syndicate, exposing how ransom demands were communicated and how payments were transferred to the kidnappers.

In a further development, three additional suspects identified as Adewuyi, Ayanwola, and Rafiu were arrested following investigations that traced financial transactions linked to the kidnappers.

The suspects, who reportedly operate between Gbugbu in Kwara State and Ago-Are in Oyo State, were linked to three bank accounts allegedly used to receive and distribute ransom payments.

Authorities revealed that the accounts served as temporary channels through which funds collected from victims’ families were moved before reaching the armed kidnappers.

The discovery has prompted collaboration with financial regulatory and anti-corruption agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to monitor and investigate the suspicious transactions.

Security sources noted that tracking the financial trail has become a crucial aspect of efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks, as many criminal groups increasingly rely on intermediaries and digital banking systems to conceal their operations.

In another significant breakthrough, military personnel arrested a university student identified as Adeleye after he was found in possession of a mobile phone belonging to one of the kidnapped victims. Further forensic investigations reportedly uncovered evidence linking him to ransom-related communications sent to the victims’ families.

Investigators disclosed that emails demanding ransom payments were traced to a device connected to the suspect, raising suspicions about his level of involvement in the criminal enterprise.

Authorities are currently conducting additional investigations to determine whether he acted independently or as part of a broader network supporting the kidnappers.

The Police Public Relations Officer confirmed that security operatives have also intercepted communications exchanged between suspects and local informants.

According to the police, the intercepted messages contained detailed instructions on how to navigate the dense forest areas surrounding the old Oyo National Park while avoiding military checkpoints and security patrols.

The discovery has strengthened suspicions that the kidnapping operation is being aided by individuals with extensive knowledge of the terrain, allowing the armed bandits to evade capture despite sustained security operations.

Investigators believe the criminal network extends beyond the arrested suspects and may involve several collaborators who provide intelligence, transportation, food supplies, and communication support to the kidnappers.

Security agencies have consequently intensified surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts across Oyo and neighbouring states to identify and apprehend other members of the network.

Authorities have assured residents that operations aimed at rescuing the remaining victims and capturing the armed bandits are continuing.

Joint teams comprising police officers, military personnel, and other security operatives are currently conducting coordinated sweeps of forest corridors believed to serve as hideouts for the kidnappers.

The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe rescue of all victims and bringing everyone involved in the abduction to justice.

Officials also called on residents to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in locating the kidnappers and dismantling the remaining elements of the criminal network.

The latest terrorists arrests represent a significant step in the broader effort to combat kidnapping and related crimes in the region, highlighting the importance of intelligence-led operations in disrupting criminal acts.

Criminal syndicates and cutting off the support systems that enable them to operate. As investigations continue, authorities remain optimistic that the remaining suspects, including the armed bandits still hiding in the forests, will soon be brought to justice.

~ Hot News Reporters
Saturday, 6, June, 2026