The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two children abducted by suspected kidnappers, arrested four suspects linked to the crime and recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms in separate intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks within and outside the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, saying the operations underscored the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and inter-agency collaboration.
According to the statement, the rescue operation followed a distress report that armed men invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, attacked residents and abducted two children.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, immediately ordered a coordinated rescue mission involving police operatives, the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps), local vigilantes and hunters.
“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,” Olayinka said.
He explained that the suspects opened fire on the advancing security team, leading to a gun battle.
“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,” he stated.
During the operation, one suspect, Umaru Usman, 25, who allegedly sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape, was arrested. Police also recovered three mobile phones from the scene.
The police spokesperson said a follow-up operation conducted on June 28 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.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, alleged to have served as a local collaborator, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who police alleged travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.
“The four suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network,” Olayinka said.
He confirmed that the two children were rescued alive, treated for injuries sustained during captivity 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,” he added.
In a separate operation, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, acting on intelligence, raided a hideout in the Ajah area of Lagos State believed to be occupied by a wanted armed robbery kingpin and members of his gang.
Although the suspects reportedly escaped before the operatives arrived, a search of the premises led to the recovery of two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, a Magnum pump-action rifle, an English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges.
“The recovery of these sophisticated firearms underscores the dangerous capability of the criminal network and demonstrates the Command’s resolve to proactively prevent violent crimes and dismantle organised criminal groups,” Olayinka stated.
He said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure they are brought to justice.
The police spokesperson commended the contributions of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters and members of the public, noting that their timely information and collaboration contributed significantly to the success of the operations.
“These operational successes reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the Oyo State Police Command to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led policing, prompt operational response and effective inter-agency collaboration,” he said.
The Command added that all suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
