By DAYO ADESULU
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested six suspected informants and logistics providers linked to the abduction of pupils and staff from a school in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Security sources disclosed that although several accomplices have been apprehended, the principal bandits responsible for the operation remain at large and continue to evade security forces within forested areas.
According to information released by the police, investigations led to the arrest of individuals believed to have provided logistical support, intelligence, and financial services to the kidnappers.
Among those arrested are Babangida Buhari Awalu and Kabiru Aliyu, both commercial motorcyclists who allegedly served as couriers for the kidnapping syndicate. They were reportedly apprehended in the Ojoo area of Ibadan while attempting to collect ransom funds on behalf of the bandits.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Adewuyi Sunday, Ayanwola Gbenga, and Rafiu Abdulmajeed. The suspects are said to be from the Gbugbu area of Kwara State and Ago-Are in Oyo State.
Security operatives also arrested Adeleye Ayomide, a university student, after tracing a victim’s mobile phone to his possession. Investigators reportedly linked email messages containing ransom demands sent to parents of the abducted victims to a device associated with the suspect.
Authorities noted that specific residential addresses of the suspects have not been made public due to ongoing investigations and prosecution procedures.
Investigators Trace Calls to Local Informants
The Oyo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer revealed that investigators intercepted phone conversations connected to the kidnapping operation.
According to security findings, the conversations allegedly exposed how local informants provided the bandits with directions and intelligence to help them navigate through sections of the Old Oyo National Park while avoiding military patrol routes.
Despite Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage policy, officials say the criminal network employed sophisticated methods to conceal its operations.
The Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy reportedly explained that some kidnapping syndicates use advanced call-routing systems and portable network-masking devices that allow calls to be redirected through multiple remote cell towers, making it difficult for investigators to determine their exact locations or identify the original users of the phone lines.
Ransom Funds Traced Through Bank Accounts
Investigators also traced portions of the ransom payments through several bank accounts allegedly linked to the suspects.
Security reports indicate that digital extortion proceeds connected to the activities of Adeleye Ayomide were routed through an account with Wema Bank.
Authorities further disclosed that bank accounts belonging to Adewuyi Sunday, Ayanwola Gbenga, and Rafiu Abdulmajeed were allegedly used as temporary channels for receiving and distributing ransom proceeds before cash was delivered to members of the kidnapping syndicate operating in forest locations.
The accounts have reportedly been flagged and frozen by relevant authorities as part of ongoing efforts to track financial transactions associated with the criminal network.
Meanwhile, security agencies continue operations aimed at locating and apprehending the principal suspects behind the school abduction.
Source: Oyo State Police Command, security investigation reports, and information compiled by Dele Oyedele.
