Four passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Igbeti–Kishi Road in Irepo Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued by security operatives after a coordinated search operation.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the development on Friday in Ibadan through its Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, who said the victims were freed unharmed after several hours of combing the surrounding forests.
According to the police, the victims were kidnapped in the early hours of Thursday when armed men reportedly emerged from a nearby bush, blocked the road and intercepted a commercial bus travelling from Igbeti to Kishi.
The attackers subsequently forced four passengers out of the vehicle and whisked them into the forest.
Ayanlade explained that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, immediately ordered a rescue operation involving police divisions in the affected communities and other security agencies.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that four passengers abducted in the early hours of March 5, 2026, along the Igbeti–Kishi Road have been successfully rescued following a swift and coordinated security response,” he said.
He added that upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police directed divisional officers in the area to mobilise all available operational resources.
“Immediately the report was received, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, promptly directed the Divisional Police Officers of Igbeti and Kishi Divisions, in conjunction with relevant tactical teams, to mobilise all necessary operational resources to ensure the victims were rescued unhurt,” Ayanlade stated.
He disclosed that the rescue effort involved a joint security team comprising police operatives, personnel of the Amotekun Corps, Operation Burst and other local security stakeholders.
“Acting on this directive, a combined security team comprising police operatives, members of the Amotekun Corps, Operation Burst and other local security stakeholders swiftly moved to the area and commenced intensive combing of the surrounding forests,” the statement said.
According to him, sustained pressure from the security forces forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee.
“The sustained bush combing operation, which lasted for several hours, mounted significant pressure on the criminals, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee the scene. Consequently, the four victims were successfully rescued unhurt, have regained their freedom, and have since been reunited with their families,” he added.
The police spokesman said security operatives had continued operations in the area to track down the fleeing suspects.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
