Security agencies have arrested six suspects linked to the recent abduction of students in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as efforts continue to track down the main kidnappers still believed to be hiding in the forest.
According to reports from the Oyo State Police Command, those arrested include alleged informants, couriers, and logistics providers who were identified through telephone conversations traced during investigations into the kidnapping incident.
Police disclosed that the suspects are not among the principal bandits responsible for the abduction but are believed to have provided support and information to the criminal network.
Among those arrested are Babangida Buhari Awalu and Kabiru Aliyu, both commercial motorcyclists who were reportedly apprehended in the Ojoo area of Ibadan while attempting to collect ransom-related funds on behalf of the kidnappers.
Other suspects identified as Adewuyi Sunday, Ayanwola Gbenga, and Rafiu Abdulmajeed were arrested during follow-up operations conducted in parts of Oyo and Kwara States.
Security operatives also arrested Adeleye Ayomide, a university student who was allegedly found in possession of a victim’s mobile phone. Investigators reportedly traced ransom-related communications and email messages sent to victims’ families to devices linked to the suspect.
The police explained that telephone interceptions revealed how local informants allegedly provided directions and intelligence to the bandits, helping them navigate through forest routes and evade security operations.
Despite the arrests, authorities confirmed that the main kidnappers remain at large. Security agencies noted that the criminal syndicate is believed to be using advanced communication and call-routing technologies to conceal their locations and frustrate tracking efforts.
Investigations further revealed that ransom payments were allegedly transferred through several bank accounts before being distributed to members of the kidnapping network. Authorities said the affected accounts have since been flagged and frozen as part of ongoing financial investigations.
The Oyo State Police Command reassured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and dismantle the entire kidnapping network.
Security agencies have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist in the arrest of those still at large.