Fresh investigations into the abduction of school pupils in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have revealed that suspected informants allegedly helped the kidnappers by providing guidance through phone conversations.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, investigators discovered that some suspects were allegedly communicating with the abductors before, during, and after the attack. The conversations reportedly included directions on how the gunmen could move through the National Park unnoticed and reach hidden safe locations.
The development led to the arrest of six suspects during joint security operations involving the police, the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Agro-Rangers.
Confirming the arrests, police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade said the suspects are currently assisting investigators as security agencies work to uncover the full kidnapping network.
He stated that intelligence gathered from the phone conversations pointed to how the abductors navigated routes within the forest area to avoid detection.
Authorities also said efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate connected to the attack.
The incident, which happened last Friday, reportedly resulted in the abduction of several pupils and the killing of two teachers alongside an okada rider, sparking fear and outrage across affected communities in Oyo State.