The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children, arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the first operation followed a distress report that armed hoodlums invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, where they attacked residents and abducted two children.
Recovered guns, ammunition | Oyo Police Command
Following the report, Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga ordered an immediate rescue operation involving police operatives, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The statement said, “Acting on credible intelligence, supported by technical resources and coordinated field operations, the joint security team successfully traced the abductors’ hideout deep within the forest.
“On sighting the advancing security team, the hoodlums opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. The operatives responded professionally, overpowering the criminals and forcing them to flee in different directions.”
Police said one suspect, Umaru Usman, 25, sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and was arrested, while three mobile phones were recovered at the scene.
The command added, “In a follow-up operation conducted in the early hours of Saturday, 28th June, 2026, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed (28), was arrested. He was found to have sustained gunshot wounds believed to have been inflicted during the exchange of fire with the joint security team. He was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.”
Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, described by police as a local collaborator, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who allegedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the kidnapping operation.
According to the statement, “The four suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network.”
The police confirmed that the victims were rescued alive and reunited with their family.
“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.”
