TDThe Oyo State Police Command has arrested six suspects allegedly linked to the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle the kidnapping network behind the incident.
According to security reports, the suspects were apprehended through intelligence-led operations and tactical surveillance that uncovered their alleged involvement in communicating with and supporting the bandits responsible for the school abductions.
Despite the arrests, security authorities confirmed that none of the principal kidnappers operating within the forest have been captured.
The armed gang members are reportedly still evading security forces conducting operations in the area.
The Oyo State Police Command disclosed that two of the suspects, identified as Babangida and Kabiru, were arrested in the Ojoo area of Ibadan while allegedly attempting to retrieve ransom proceeds, described by investigators as “exchange money,” on behalf of the kidnappers.
Police investigations further led to the arrest of three additional suspects—Adewuyi, Ayanwola, and Rafiu—during follow-up operations.
The suspects are said to hail from Gbugbu in Kwara State and Ago-Are in Oyo State.
Security sources revealed that three bank accounts allegedly linked to the suspects were used as temporary holding points for funds before the money was transferred to the bandits hiding in the forest.
As part of ongoing investigations, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and anti-corruption agencies have reportedly begun scrutinising the bank accounts associated with the suspects in an effort to trace financial transactions connected to the kidnapping operation.
In a related development, military personnel tracked and arrested another suspect identified as Adeleye, a university student, after he was allegedly found in possession of a mobile phone belonging to one of the victims.
Investigators said digital forensic analysis linked the suspect’s device to email messages used to make ransom demands to parents of the abducted students.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Oyo State Command stated that investigators intercepted communications between the suspects and local informants discussing routes through the Old Oyo National Park and methods of navigating the terrain to avoid military checkpoints and security patrols.
Authorities described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the investigation but stressed that efforts remain focused on apprehending the masterminds and armed bandits believed to be operating from forest hideouts.
Security agencies have assured residents that ongoing operations will continue until all those involved in the abduction network are identified and brought to justice.
