The Oyo State Police Command 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, conducted on October 22, 2026, followed intelligence 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 response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section to work with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria to track down the suspects and rescue the victim.
The security team subsequently stormed the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road, where the operation resulted in a gun duel at about 9:30 p.m. after the suspected kidnappers opened fire on the advancing operatives.
The police said the operatives successfully rescued the victim, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, a 15-year-old male, while one suspected kidnapper was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire.
Other members of the gang reportedly escaped into different directions with suspected gunshot injuries.
According to the Command, the neutralised suspect was taken to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed his death. His remains were subsequently deposited at a morgue.
The police also recovered an Android mobile phone and a cutlass during the operation, adding that the items would form part of the ongoing investigation.
Following the escape of other gang members, the Command urged residents of the Awe–Iwo Road axis and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station.
Medical practitioners, hospital administrators and other healthcare workers were equally advised to alert the police if anyone suspected of involvement in the incident seeks treatment for gunshot injuries.
The Command said timely and credible information from residents and healthcare providers could assist security operatives in tracking down the fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities.
Reaffirming the police commitment to protecting lives and property, CP Olugbenga said the Command would sustain intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with other security stakeholders to dismantle criminal networks and tackle kidnapping across Oyo State.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing useful information to the police, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to improving security across the state.
