No fewer than eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction of pupils, students and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as security agencies intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.
The arrests were confirmed by the Oyo State Police Command, which disclosed that the suspects are currently assisting investigators in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and identifying other members of the criminal network.
The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on schools located in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele axis of Oriire Local Government Area in May, sparking widespread concern among residents and renewed fears over the security of educational institutions in the region.
Speaking on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the suspects were helping investigators, although he declined to provide details regarding their identities or specific roles in the incident.
Security sources revealed that a joint operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies was launched immediately after the abduction. The operation has since focused on intelligence gathering and search-and-rescue missions across forests and remote locations around the Ogbomoso axis, where the kidnappers are believed to be hiding.
Authorities have also established communication with the abductors while simultaneously pursuing intelligence-led strategies aimed at locating the victims and ensuring their safe return.
It was gathered that some security operatives sustained injuries during an initial rescue attempt, underscoring the challenges confronting the operation. The difficult terrain, characterised by dense forests and hard-to-reach locations, has reportedly complicated rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu is said to have directed top security officials, including the National Security Adviser, to intensify efforts and deploy additional resources to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers. A special rescue team was also reportedly constituted to support ongoing operations.
Investigations further indicate that some of those arrested include individuals suspected of providing logistical support and intelligence to the kidnappers. Security agencies believe the arrests will help expose the broader criminal network behind the abduction.
The police have, however, cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information after false reports circulated on social media claiming that the victims had been rescued. The Oyo State Police Command dismissed the reports, maintaining that rescue efforts are still ongoing.
As of Saturday, June 6, there had been no official confirmation of the rescue or release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers. Families of the victims and community leaders continue to await positive news while security agencies press ahead with efforts to bring the victims home safely.
Despite the absence of a breakthrough, observers say the arrests and intelligence gathered so far represent significant progress that could aid the eventual rescue of the victims and the dismantling of the kidnapping network responsible for the attack.
