ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Security agencies in Oyo State have made new progress in the investigation into the abduction of school pupils and the killing of two teachers and an okada rider in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area.
Authorities say the breakthrough came after intelligence work linked suspected informants to communications allegedly exchanged with the attackers before, during, and after the operation.
The Oyo State Police Command revealed that investigators were able to track the suspects through phone records believed to show contact with the bandits involved in the attack.
Findings reportedly suggest that the conversations included guidance on routes through the National Park and possible escape paths leading to locations used as hideouts.
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Following these developments, at least six suspects have been arrested and are currently in custody, where they are assisting ongoing investigations.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the arrests on Tuesday, saying they resulted from coordinated security operations across multiple locations in the state.
“We have six suspects in custody and they are assisting the investigation,” he said.
He explained that preliminary investigations indicate the suspects may have played supportive roles as informants to the armed group behind the incident.
According to him, “some of the suspects were in contact with the abductors through telephone conversations,” adding that those communications are now being analysed to identify others involved in the network.
Ayanlade also noted that investigators discovered details about movement routes within the National Park and areas allegedly used as safe havens by the criminals.
“The conversations contained information on how the abductors could move through the National Park undetected and reach safe locations,” he said.
He further disclosed that the arrests were carried out through joint operations involving the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, NSCDC, and Agro-Rangers, working on intelligence leads.
Officials say efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who remain at large, as investigations continue to uncover the wider network behind the attack.
The violent incident, which left two teachers and an okada rider dead while several pupils were abducted last Friday, has continued to heighten tension and concern across affected communities in Oyo State.