Police kill three suspected kidnappers, rescue victim in Oyo operation

Crime Diary

IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Oyo State Police Command says its operatives have killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted victim during a security operation in Otu, in the Oke-Ogun area of the state.

The command said the operation, carried out in collaboration with local hunters and other security agencies, was part of ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes and strengthen public safety across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan.

Olayinka said the operation followed a distress call received on May 25 from local hunters who came under attack by suspected kidnappers during a hunting expedition in Otu.

According to him, the hunters were shot at by the suspects but escaped without casualties.

He said following the intelligence received, a joint security team comprising police operatives, local hunters and other security personnel was immediately deployed to the area.

“Upon arrival, the hoodlums opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel.

“However, through superior tactical response and coordinated efforts, the criminals were overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers,” the statement said.

The police said the operation also led to the rescue of a 50-year-old victim, identified as Mosudi Gbolagade, who was earlier kidnapped in Okaka and held captive within the Otu area.

Olayinka said Gbolagade sustained gunshot injuries during the incident and had been taken to a medical facility, where he was receiving treatment.

The command added that one AK-47 rifle without ammunition, one single-barreled gun and one machete were recovered from the scene.

It said one of the local hunters involved in the operation also sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State commended the bravery and cooperation of the local hunters and other security stakeholders, saying their timely intervention contributed to the success of the operation.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to sustained operations against criminal elements across the state, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information that could assist security agencies.