Oyo police arrest suspected kidnapper, rescue victim during gun duel

IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Oyo State Police Command says it has recorded a breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes with the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the rescue of an abducted victim in Oyo State.

The command disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence received in the early hours of Wednesday through operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Oyo chapter, indicating that suspected kidnappers had assembled at Otefon Village Forest to collect ransom from relatives of their victim.

According to the police, Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, immediately directed operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad along the Oyo/Iseyin axis, in collaboration with local vigilantes, to launch a rescue operation and apprehend the suspects.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang, made up of about six armed men, allegedly invaded the residence of one Alhaji Bagudu at Ilowa Village in Atiba Local Government Area on May 9, abducted him and took him into the Otefon Forest.

The abductors were said to have demanded a ransom of N10 million for his release.

The police explained that operatives strategically prioritised the safe release of the victim before moving against the kidnappers.

Following confirmation that the victim had regained freedom unharmed, security operatives advanced toward the ransom collection point in a tactical operation aimed at arresting the suspects.

The command said intelligence gathering and technological tracking tools enabled security teams to identify the exact location where the kidnappers had assembled.

However, upon sighting the approaching security operatives, the suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a gun duel.

During the exchange, the suspects fled into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds, while one suspect identified as Mohammed Sanni was arrested at the scene.

Police also recovered a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, believed to have been used by the gang for logistics and operations.

Other items recovered included a mobile phone, a pair of slippers and a cap, all of which are currently undergoing forensic examination.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the arrested suspect had made useful confessional statements regarding his involvement in the criminal syndicate.

He added that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the gang.

The command appealed to residents with credible information capable of assisting ongoing investigations to report to the nearest police station or security formation.

Police also urged members of the public to report anyone seen with suspicious bullet wounds or injuries for immediate investigation.

According to the command, the successful operation highlights the importance of intelligence sharing and collaboration between security agencies and local communities in combating crime.

Commissioner of Police Olugbemiga commended the gallantry and professionalism displayed by operatives and collaborating vigilante groups during the operation.

He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continued support and commitment toward strengthening security operations across the country.

The commissioner reassured residents of the command’s determination to sustain efforts aimed at flushing out criminal elements from all parts of Oyo State.