The Oyo State Police Command says it has begun forensic analysis of a viral video linked to a recent abduction incident in the state, as authorities intensify efforts to rescue the victims safely.

In a statement issued on Saturday, police spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said investigators are examining the footage to verify its authenticity and gather evidence that could assist ongoing operations.

The Command said the review would support efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the kidnapping.

“The footage is presently undergoing comprehensive forensic examination to determine its authenticity and further aid ongoing investigations, rescue operations, as well as the identification and arrest of the perpetrators,” the statement said.

The police did not disclose the number of victims involved or the exact location of the abduction, but reassured residents that security agencies were working to secure the release of those abducted.

Security Agencies Intensify Rescue Operations

According to the police, intelligence-led and tactical operations are continuing in collaboration with other security agencies.

Authorities said the priority remains the safe rescue and reunification of the victims with their families.

“The Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment towards ensuring the safe return and reunification of all abducted persons with their families,” DSP Olayinka said.

Kidnapping for ransom has remained a major security concern across several parts of Nigeria, with incidents increasingly spreading beyond traditional flashpoints into new regions.

Security analysts say the growing circulation of videos linked to abduction cases on social media has added pressure on law enforcement agencies while also increasing the risk of misinformation.

Police Warn Against Sharing Unverified Information

The Oyo State Police Command urged residents to avoid circulating unverified reports or materials that could create panic.

The statement warned that false or misleading content could complicate rescue operations and heighten public tension.

“Members of the public are equally advised to refrain from sharing unverified information, misleading contents, or materials capable of heightening tension and creating unnecessary panic,” the statement added.

Residents were also encouraged to provide credible information that could support investigations and rescue efforts.

Why It Matters

The latest incident highlights continuing concerns over insecurity and abduction cases in parts of Nigeria, where families often rely heavily on security agencies for rapid intervention.

Experts say forensic analysis of digital evidence, including videos and phone records, has become increasingly important in tracking criminal networks and verifying claims made online during kidnapping incidents.

Public cooperation, analysts add, can significantly improve response times during rescue missions.

Emergency Contacts Released

The police asked residents with useful information to contact the authorities immediately through the following emergency lines:

Oyo State Call Response Center (Toll-Free): 615

Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614, 07055495413

The Command said it remains committed to restoring normalcy and ensuring all individuals connected to the incident face prosecution under Nigerian law.

Gunmen have abducted several pupils, students and school staff during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, prompting the police to launch a large-scale rescue operation.

The attack, which happened in the early hours of Friday, targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and Community Grammar School alongside L.A Primary School in Esiele, according to the Oyo State Police Command.

Police said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and carried out simultaneous assaults on the schools and nearby communities.

Among those abducted was the Vice Principal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe.

Authorities said there was no confirmed report of any pupil or student being killed as of the time the statement was issued.

However, an Assistant Headmaster identified as Mr. Adesiyan was shot dead during the attack. An okada rider was also reportedly killed after resisting attempts by the gunmen to seize his motorcycle.

Police launch rescue operation

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, visited the affected communities shortly after the incident alongside other security commanders.

According to the police, tactical teams, intelligence units and operational assets have been deployed across the area to track down the attackers and rescue the victims.

In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said:

“Operational assets, tactical teams and intelligence platforms have since been deployed to the affected communities to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, ensure public safety and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims as well as the apprehension of those responsible for the heinous act.”

Police also revealed that the attackers stole a Toyota Corolla belonging to the abducted Vice Principal before setting it ablaze on a road leading into the forest.

Why the attack matters

The latest school attack has renewed concerns over the safety of students and teachers in parts of Nigeria, especially in rural communities where security infrastructure is limited.

Over the past few years, armed groups have increasingly targeted schools for kidnappings, often seeking ransom payments from families or authorities.

Security analysts say attacks on schools continue to disrupt education, create fear among parents and contribute to rising school dropout rates in vulnerable communities.

Residents in Oriire and nearby areas are now calling for increased security presence around schools and major roads.

Community fears grow

Parents and residents in the affected communities are said to be in shock following the attack.

Local education advocates warn that repeated incidents of school violence could discourage attendance, particularly among younger children in rural areas.

What the police are asking residents to do

The Oyo State Police Command urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing credible information that could assist rescue efforts.

Emergency contact numbers released by the command include:

Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line: 615

Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614

07055495413

What happens next

Security operations are expected to continue across Oriire Local Government Area and surrounding forests as authorities intensify efforts to locate the abducted victims.

There is currently no official confirmation on the number of people kidnapped.

Residents are also awaiting further updates from the Oyo State Government and security agencies regarding rescue operations and additional security measures for schools.

The Nigeria Police Force has extradited an alleged cyber fraud suspect, Samuel Ugberease, to the United States over accusations linked to online romance scams and wire fraud involving more than $1.5 million.

Police said Ugberease, also known by aliases including “Putsammy”, “Putput”, and “Sammy”, was handed over to US authorities on Wednesday, 14 May 2026, after the completion of extradition proceedings in Nigeria.

According to the police, the suspect had been living in South Africa before his arrest in Lagos in December 2025.

How the alleged scam operated

Investigators said the suspect and his accomplices allegedly operated an online fraud syndicate between 2014 and 2018, targeting women in the US through fake dating profiles and emotional manipulation schemes.

The alleged victims were reportedly deceived into sending large amounts of money under false claims, including fabricated emergencies and relationship-related requests.

Authorities said the fraud network mainly targeted victims in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Police investigators also alleged that proceeds from the scams were moved through several bank accounts to conceal the origin of the funds.

In one case highlighted by investigators, the suspect was allegedly linked to the defrauding of a victim of more than $1.5 million.

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to leveraging INTERPOL tools, international partnerships, and intelligence-led policing to combat cybercrime,” the Force said in a statement.

Arrest at Lagos airport

The suspect was arrested by officers attached to the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on 14 December 2025.

Police said the arrest followed an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by US authorities.

The extradition process was later approved by the Federal High Court in Lagos under Nigeria’s Extradition Act.

Why the case matters

The case highlights growing international pressure on law enforcement agencies to tackle cyber-enabled financial crimes, particularly romance scams that increasingly target vulnerable internet users worldwide.

Cybersecurity analysts say romance fraud remains one of the most financially damaging online crimes globally because it combines emotional manipulation with financial deception.

Experts also note that cross-border cooperation between agencies such as INTERPOL and national police forces has become critical in tracking suspects who move across multiple countries.

For Nigeria, the extradition may also be viewed as part of broader efforts to improve international confidence in the country’s anti-cybercrime enforcement systems.

Industry and public reaction

Anti-fraud advocates have repeatedly warned social media and dating app users to verify identities before sending money online.

Financial crime experts say criminals increasingly exploit emotional trust built through online relationships, making romance scams difficult to detect in early stages.

Some observers believe the case could encourage stronger collaboration between Nigerian authorities and international partners in combating transnational organised crime.

What happens next?

US prosecutors are expected to proceed with criminal charges relating to wire fraud, online romance scams, and financial crimes.

If convicted in the United States, the suspect could face significant prison time and financial penalties under US federal law.

The Nigeria Police Force said it would continue working with international partners to tackle cybercrime and financial fraud networks operating across borders.