The Oyo State Police Command says it has rescued a 15-year-old kidnapping victim and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a security operation along the Awe–Iwo Road axis of the state. The operation, according to the Police, followed intelligence received on October 22, 2026, that suspected kidnappers were demanding ransom for…...
The Oyo State Police Command says it has rescued a 15-year-old kidnapping victim and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a security operation along the Awe–Iwo Road axis of the state.
The operation, according to the Police, followed intelligence received on October 22, 2026, that suspected kidnappers were demanding ransom for the release of a victim abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area on October 18.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section, working with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to move against the suspects.
The operatives reportedly tracked the suspects to the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road, where a gun duel ensued at about 9:30 p.m. after the suspected kidnappers opened fire on the advancing security team.
The Police said the operation led to the rescue of the victim, identified as 15-year-old Sumaila Muhammadu, while one suspected kidnapper was shot and later confirmed dead by a doctor at a hospital.
Other members of the gang reportedly fled with suspected gunshot injuries.
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The Police added that an Android mobile phone and a cutlass were recovered from the scene, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
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The Command has urged residents around the Awe–Iwo Road axis and neighbouring communities to report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds to the Police, as the information could assist in tracking down the fleeing suspects.
Medical practitioners, hospital administrators and other healthcare workers have also been urged to promptly alert the Police to anyone seeking treatment for gunshot injuries suspected to be connected with the incident.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security stakeholders.
Residents were also urged to provide timely and credible information to support efforts to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across the state.