Police rescue two abducted kids, nab inter-state kidnap gang in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children, arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the first operation followed a distress report that armed hoodlums invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, where they attacked residents and abducted two children.

Following the report, Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga ordered an immediate rescue operation involving police operatives, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.

The statement said, “Acting on credible intelligence, supported by technical resources and coordinated field operations, the joint security team successfully traced the abductors’ hideout deep within the forest.

“On sighting the advancing security team, the hoodlums opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. The operatives responded professionally, overpowering the criminals and forcing them to flee in different directions.”

Police said one suspect, Umaru Usman, 25, sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and was arrested, while three mobile phones were recovered at the scene.

The command added, “In a follow-up operation conducted in the early hours of Saturday, 28th June, 2026, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed (28), was arrested. He was found to have sustained gunshot wounds believed to have been inflicted during the exchange of fire with the joint security team. He was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.”

Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, described by police as a local collaborator, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who allegedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the kidnapping operation.

According to the statement, “The four suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network.”

The police confirmed that the victims were rescued alive and reunited with their family.

“The two abducted children were rescued safely and promptly taken for medical attention. One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but received treatment before both children were successfully reunited with their family.”

In a separate operation targeting an armed robbery syndicate, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit acted on intelligence indicating that a wanted robbery kingpin was hiding in the Ajah area of Lagos State with members of his gang.

The police said, “The intelligence revealed that a wanted armed robbery kingpin, believed to be in possession of an English-made pistol, was hiding in the Ajah area of Lagos State alongside members of his criminal syndicate.”

Although the suspects escaped upon sighting the operatives, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of several weapons.

The statement listed the recovered exhibits as:

“Two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns with serial numbers T3586 and 0217/2011; One Magnum pump-action rifle with serial number S&W357; One English-made revolver pistol; and Thirty-six (36) live cartridges.”

Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

“The recovery of these sophisticated firearms underscores the dangerous capability of the criminal network and demonstrates the Command’s resolve to proactively prevent violent crimes and dismantle organised criminal groups.”

The command described the operations as evidence of its commitment to intelligence-driven policing and effective collaboration with other security agencies.

“These operational successes reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the Oyo State Police Command to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led policing, prompt operational response, and effective inter-agency collaboration.”

The police also commended the contributions of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters and members of the public, noting that their cooperation played a significant role in the success of both operations.

Investigations are continuing, while all suspects are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations, the release noted.