The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of eight suspects, including alleged informants and logistics providers, in connection with the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The arrests form part of ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling the network believed to be supporting the kidnappers, who are still holding the victims captive.
Speaking with our correspondent in Ibadan, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command would not disclose certain details of the investigation in order not to jeopardise ongoing operations or enable other suspects to evade arrest.
According to him, information circulating on social media regarding phone contacts and negotiations linked to the abduction remains unverified.
“There has not been any confirmed phone call to any individual in respect of the abduction apart from reports being circulated on social media, which cannot be substantiated,” Ayanlade said.
The police spokesperson specifically declined to confirm reports alleging that some suspects were identified through intercepted telephone conversations linked to the perpetrators of the school attack.
He urged members of the public to disregard unverified information on social media and assured residents that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, is working tirelessly to secure the safe release of the abducted victims.
“Our command is working tirelessly for the safe return of the abductees,” he stated.
Despite the ongoing arrests, authorities confirmed that the principal suspects behind the abduction remain at large. Security sources believe the kidnappers are hiding within forest corridors and may be deploying sophisticated communication methods to evade security surveillance.
Among those arrested are Babangida Buhari Awalu and Kabiru Aliyu, commercial motorcyclists allegedly accused of acting as couriers for the kidnapping syndicate. The duo was apprehended in the Ojoo area of Ibadan while reportedly attempting to collect funds suspected to be linked to the criminal operation.
Other suspects arrested during follow-up investigations include Adewuyi Sunday, Ayanwola Gbenga and Rafiu Abdulmajeed.
However, the police declined to confirm reports linking the suspects to specific communities in Gbugbu, Kwara State, and Ago-Are in Oyo State, citing the sensitive nature of the investigation.
In a separate development, security operatives reportedly tracked down a student identified as Adeleye Ayomide after he was allegedly found in possession of a mobile phone belonging to one of the victims. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the discovery are ongoing.
Security sources further disclosed that financial investigations have uncovered transactions involving several bank accounts suspected to have been used in facilitating communications and logistical support for the criminal network.
Authorities are also examining reports that some accounts may have served as collection points for funds before cash was allegedly transferred to individuals operating within forest hideouts. Relevant financial institutions and security agencies are said to be collaborating on the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has debunked widespread social media reports claiming that the abducted pupils and teachers have been rescued.
Describing the reports as false and misleading, Ayanlade urged the public to rely only on official updates from security agencies.
“As of the time of this release, there has been no such development, and members of the public are advised to disregard the report in its entirety,” he said.
The police spokesman reassured anxious families that security operatives remain fully committed to rescuing the victims and ensuring that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.
“Security operatives are working tirelessly, deploying all available human and operational resources to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, their unharmed reunification with their families, and the apprehension and prosecution of all those responsible for the heinous act,” he added.
He further warned against the spread of unverified reports, noting that misinformation could undermine ongoing security operations, create unnecessary panic and threaten public peace.
The latest arrests underscore the continued efforts of security agencies to unravel the network behind the abduction as rescue operations intensify to secure the safe return of the victims.
