OYO: Police Rescue Two Abducted Children, Arrest Four Suspects, Recover Sophisticated Firearms
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Kazeem Awojoodu
The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children, arrested four suspected kidnappers, and recovered sophisticated firearms in separate operations across the state, reaffirming its commitment to tackling violent crimes through intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, noting that the operations were carried out in conjunction with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters.
According to the statement, armed hoodlums invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area on Friday, June 27, where they allegedly ransacked homes, assaulted residents, and abducted two children.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to immediately mobilise police operatives alongside personnel of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
The command said the joint security team, acting on credible intelligence and supported by technical surveillance, traced the suspects’ hideout deep inside a forest.
On sighting the advancing operatives, the kidnappers reportedly opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. The security team, however, overpowered the suspects, forcing them to flee.
One of the suspects, Umaru Usman, 25, sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and was arrested. Three mobile phones were recovered from the scene.
The police said a follow-up operation in the early hours of Saturday led to the arrest of another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, who was also found with gunshot wounds believed to have been sustained during the exchange of fire. He was taken to hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, who allegedly provided logistical support to the gang, while another suspect, Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, was apprehended for allegedly travelling from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the kidnapping operation.
According to the police, the four suspects are assisting investigators with useful information aimed at tracking down and arresting other members of the criminal syndicate.
The abducted children were rescued alive and taken for medical attention. One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but was treated before both children were reunited with their family.
In a separate operation, operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit recovered an arsenal of firearms from the hideout of a suspected armed robbery syndicate in the Ajah area of Lagos State.
The operation, conducted on Friday, June 27, followed credible intelligence indicating that a wanted armed robbery kingpin and members of his gang were hiding in the area.
Although the suspects fled before the operatives arrived, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, one Magnum pump-action rifle, one English-made revolver pistol, and 36 live cartridges.
The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, noting that the recovery underscored the dangerous capabilities of the criminal network and demonstrated the command’s resolve to dismantle organised criminal groups before they strike.
The command commended the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters, and members of the public for their cooperation and support during the operations.
It also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and continued support for policing operations across the country.
The command assured residents that investigations into both cases were ongoing and that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
