The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children, arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered sophisticated firearms during separate intelligence-led operations aimed at tackling violent crime across the state.
The operation followed a distress report that armed men invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, where they attacked residents and abducted two children.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered an immediate rescue mission involving police operatives, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
Acting on credible intelligence, the joint security team traced the kidnappers to their hideout deep inside a forest. The suspects opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun battle before they were overpowered and forced to flee.
Police said one suspect, Umaru Usman (25), who sustained gunshot injuries while attempting to escape, was arrested at the scene alongside three recovered mobile phones.
A follow-up operation later led to the arrest of Abdullahi Ahmed (28), who was also found with gunshot wounds believed to have been sustained during the exchange of fire.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Sunday Idowu (30), identified as a local collaborator, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina (29), who allegedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the kidnapping operation.
“The four suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network,” the police said.
The command confirmed that the two abducted children were rescued alive and reunited with their family after receiving medical attention.
“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,” the statement added.
In a separate intelligence-led operation targeting an armed robbery syndicate, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit raided a hideout in the Ajah area of Lagos State after receiving intelligence on the whereabouts of a wanted robbery kingpin.
Although the suspects escaped before police arrived, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of several sophisticated weapons, including two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, one Magnum pump-action rifle, one English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges.
Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.
The command described the successful operations as evidence of its commitment to intelligence-led policing and effective collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders.
Investigations are still ongoing, while all arrested suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Source: Oyo State Police Command
