Oyo Abduction: Police Nab Six Over Alleged Bandit Links

Security operatives in Oyo State have arrested six persons suspected of aiding the gunmen behind the deadly abduction of schoolchildren and the killing of two teachers and a commercial motorcyclist in Oriire Local Government Area.

Investigators said the suspects were allegedly working as informants for the kidnappers and maintained communication with the armed group before and after the attack through phone calls.

According to findings by the police, some of the conversations reportedly focused on movement routes within the National Park area and possible hideouts used by the criminals to avoid detection after the operation.

Authorities said intelligence gathered from the phone communications helped security agencies track down members of the suspected network during coordinated raids across several locations.

Spokesman of the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the arrests on Tuesday, saying the suspects were already assisting investigators with useful information.

“We currently have six individuals in custody and interrogation is ongoing. The operation is yielding critical intelligence,” he said.

Ayanlade explained that preliminary findings suggested that some of the arrested persons played support roles by allegedly providing logistical information to the abductors.

“Our investigators uncovered evidence indicating that certain suspects were in direct telephone contact with the attackers. 

"Those communications are now being carefully analysed to expose the broader criminal structure,” he stated.

He further disclosed that security agencies discovered discussions relating to concealed movement paths and remote locations allegedly used by the kidnappers as safe camps.

“The conversations pointed to routes through the National Park that could allow the criminals to move without attracting attention,” the police spokesman added.

The arrests, according to the command, followed joint security operations involving the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun operatives, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Agro-Rangers.

Security officials said the operation was driven by intelligence-sharing among the different agencies working to dismantle criminal groups operating within the area.

Ayanlade assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the attack.

“We are intensifying efforts to ensure every person linked to this crime faces justice. More arrests are expected as the investigation progresses,” he said.

The attack, which occurred last Friday in Ahoro-Esiele community, sparked outrage across Oyo State after gunmen abducted school pupils and killed two teachers alongside an okada rider during the assault.

Residents of the affected communities have since expressed growing fears over insecurity in the area, while calling on authorities to strengthen surveillance and security presence around schools and rural settlements.