Oyo Police arrest additional suspected kidnapper, recover weapon

Cityscope, Crime Diary

IBADAN, NIGERIA, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — The Oyo State Police Command has arrested another suspected kidnapper in its ongoing crackdown on violent crimes, particularly kidnapping for ransom, across the state.

The Command announced that the suspect, believed to be linked to a notorious kidnapping syndicate earlier apprehended with an AK-47 rifle around Ikoyi-Ile, was arrested on April 5, 2026, at about 16:50 hours. Operatives attached to the Ikoyi-Ile Division, acting on credible intelligence and sustained follow-up operations, successfully apprehended one Taye Adamu at Iluju Village.

According to a statement issued on April 6, 2026, by DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), the suspect confessed during interrogation to involvement in several kidnapping and violent criminal activities in the area, providing investigators with useful leads.

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad for discreet and comprehensive investigation. He also confirmed that efforts are underway to track down other fleeing members of the gang.

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts that led to the arrest, CP Olugbenga expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and support in combating violent crimes. He commended the operatives for their professionalism and resilience, and thanked members of the public for their cooperation, which he described as instrumental to the Command’s successes.

The Commissioner reiterated that public support and timely information sharing remain critical to achieving a safe and secure Oyo State. He assured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining operations aimed at eradicating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.