Police officers. Photo: TheCable
The Oyo State Police command has rescued a 15-year-old kidnapped boy, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a coordinated security operation along the Awe–Iwo Road axis of the state.
A statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday, said the operation followed credible intelligence received by the command on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Ayanlade explained that the operation resulted in a gun duel after the suspected kidnappers opened fire upon sighting the advancing security team.
He added that despite the attack, the operatives successfully rescued the victim, while one yet-to-be-identified suspected kidnapper was neutralised.
The PPRO stressed that other members of the gang fled in different directions, reportedly with gunshot injuries.
The statement read, “The Oyo State Police Command has successfully rescued a 15-year-old kidnapping victim and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a coordinated security operation along the Awe–Iwo Road axis of Oyo State.
“The operation followed credible intelligence received by the Command on October 22, 2026, at about 1700 hours, indicating that suspected kidnappers were demanding ransom for the release of a victim abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area on 18th October 2026.
“Upon receipt of the intelligence, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section, working in close collaboration with Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to move against the suspects and secure the victim’s release.
“Consequently, the operatives mobilised to the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road, where they advanced on the suspects’ location. At about 2130 hours, the operation resulted in a gun duel after the suspected kidnappers opened fire upon sighting the advancing security team. Despite the attack, the operatives successfully rescued the victim, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, a 15-year-old male, while one yet-to-be-identified suspected kidnapper was neutralised. Other members of the gang fled in different directions, reportedly with gunshot injuries.
“Following the encounter, the neutralised suspect was taken to the Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead. His corpse was subsequently deposited at the morgue,” the statement stated.
The command, therefore, reaffirmed its commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-led policing.
Meanwhile, the operatives recovered one Android mobile phone and a cutlass during the operation, which will form part of the ongoing investigative process.
The statement added, “Given that the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire, the command is urging residents, particularly those living around the Awe–Iwo Road axis and adjoining communities, to remain vigilant and promptly report anyone presenting with suspicious gunshot wounds to the Police.
“Such timely information could prove crucial to locating the fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities.”
The Police further urged medical practitioners, hospital administrators, and other healthcare workers to promptly notify the Police of anyone seeking treatment for gunshot injuries suspected to be connected with this incident.
“Reports may be made through the nearest police station or the command’s established communication channels, with the assurance that credible information will assist ongoing efforts to bring the fleeing suspects to justice.
The CP, therefore, reassured residents that the command would sustain intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with relevant security stakeholders to dismantle criminal networks and prevent kidnapping across the state.
He also called on members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains essential to achieving lasting security.