25th of June, 2026

…they made religious as veil to fulfill their evils…

Oyo State security forces have arrested a local pastor suspected of being a key logistics supplier to the armed group behind the mass abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area.

The pastor allegedly provided weapons, ammunition, drugs, vehicles, and operation gear to the bandits, security sources said. His clerical status reportedly allowed him to pass through checkpoints undetected while moving supplies.

Authorities are withholding the pastor’s full name and church to avoid compromising ongoing rescue operations for the abducted victims.

The arrest, if confirmed, answers a question Nigerians have asked since the abductions began: How are these bandits and terrorists being supplied and supported?

“A local pastor may be part of the answer,” the presenter noted, “but we must be clear: this alleged criminality is not representative of any religion.”

The case underscores a disturbing reality in Nigeria’s security crisis — the network enabling banditry and mass kidnappings “has many faces, and some of them may be hiding in plain sight.”

The Orire abduction is one of several mass kidnappings that have rocked Nigeria’s schools in recent years. Security agencies say investigations are ongoing to dismantle the supply chain feeding the armed groups.

No date has been given for when the suspect will be named or charged.

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