BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, following the rescue of a kidnap victim and the arrest of one suspected kidnapper during a joint security operation.
According to the Command, credible intelligence was received in the early hours of Wednesday, May 13, 2026, through operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Oyo, indicating that a gang of suspected kidnappers had assembled at Otefon Village Forest to collect ransom from relatives of a kidnapped victim.
Acting on the intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, immediately directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) along the Oyo/Iseyin axis, in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to move into the area to rescue the victim and apprehend the suspects.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang, comprising about six armed men, had on May 9, 2026, invaded the residence of one Alhaji Bagudu in Ilowa Village, Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducted him and taken him into the Otefon Forest. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N10 million for his release.
Security operatives strategically prioritized the safe rescue of the victim before launching tactical operations against the kidnappers. After confirming the victim’s release unharmed, operatives advanced towards the scene to apprehend the suspects.
Leveraging intelligence gathering and technological support, the operatives identified the exact location where the suspects had assembled and laid ambush for them. However, upon sighting the advancing security team, the suspects opened fire, leading to a gun duel.
During the exchange, the suspects fled into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries, while one suspect identified as Mohammed Sanni was arrested.
Recovered from the scene were a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, believed to have been used for the gang’s operations, a mobile phone, a pair of slippers and a cap, all of which are undergoing forensic examination.
The Police said the suspect is currently in custody and has made useful confessional statements regarding his involvement in the criminal syndicate, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members.
The Command urged members of the public to provide credible information that could aid ongoing investigations and advised residents to report anyone seen with suspicious bullet wounds or injuries to the nearest Police Station.
The Oyo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the public and other security stakeholders to enhance security and service delivery across the state.
