Police kill suspected kidnapper, rescue 15-year-old victim in Oyo

Oyo State Police Command has killed a yet-to-be-identified suspected kidnapper and rescued a 15-year-old boy during a security operation along the Awe–Iwo Road axis of the state.

The victim, identified as Sunmaila Muhammadu, was reportedly abducted from Onidundu village in Akinyele Local Government Area on October 18, 2026.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the Anti-Kidnapping Section (AKS), working with the Oyo Zone of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, launched a manhunt for the suspected kidnappers.

According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence received by the command on October 22, 2026, at about 5 p.m., indicating that the suspects were demanding ransom for the victim’s release.

The police said the operation led to a gun duel after the suspected kidnappers opened fire on the advancing security team at the Pipeline Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road.

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The operatives reportedly rescued the teenager during the exchange of gunfire, while one suspected kidnapper was neutralised and other members of the gang fled in different directions, reportedly with gunshot injuries.

The statement added that the neutralised suspect was taken to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead. His remains were subsequently deposited in a morgue.

The operatives also recovered an Android mobile phone and a cutlass during the operation. The items, according to the police, would form part of the ongoing investigation.

The command urged residents, particularly those living around the Awe–Iwo Road axis and neighbouring communities, to remain vigilant and report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds to the police.

It also called on medical practitioners, hospital administrators and other healthcare workers to promptly notify the police about anyone seeking treatment for gunshot injuries suspected to be connected with the incident.

The police said reports could be made at the nearest police station or through the command’s established communication channels, adding that credible information would assist efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities.