Police rescue kidnapped children, arrest four suspected kidnappers in Oyo

Officers of the Oyo State Police Command have rescued two kidnapped children in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, arrested four suspected members of an inter-state kidnapping syndicate and recovered a stash of sophisticated firearms during a separate intelligence-driven operation.

The command disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, explaining that the first operation was launched after gunmen stormed Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate, attacking residents and taking away two children.

Following the incident, Police Commissioner Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga immediately deployed a joint rescue team consisting of police officers, Amotekun Corps, local residents and hunters.

According to the statement, “Acting on credible intelligence, supported by technical resources and coordinated field operations, the joint security team successfully traced the kidnappers’ hideout deep in the forest.

“On seeing the security team advancing, the thugs opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. The officers responded professionally, overpowering the criminals and forcing them to flee in different directions.”

Police said one of the suspects, identified as 25-year-old Umaru Usman, suffered a gunshot wound while trying to escape and was arrested. Three mobile phones believed to be linked to the gang were also recovered from the scene.

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The command revealed that another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, was arrested in a follow-up operation carried out in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, after investigators traced his movements.

The statement added, “In a follow-up operation carried out in the early hours of Saturday, 28 June 2026, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed (28), was arrested. He was found suffering from a gunshot wound believed to have occurred during a gunfight with a joint security team. He was immediately taken to hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.”

Further investigations led detectives to arrest Sunday Idowu, 30, who was suspected to be a local accomplice, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who reportedly traveled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to take part in the kidnapping.

According to police, “The four suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information aimed at identifying and arresting other members of the criminal network.”

The command ensured that the kidnapped children were rescued alive and reunited with their families after receiving medical treatment.

The statement said, “The two kidnapped children were rescued safely and immediately taken for medical treatment. One of the victims suffered injuries during the incident but received treatment before the two children were successfully reunited with their families.”

In another intelligence-led operation, officers attached to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit moved against an armed robbery syndicate after receiving information that a wanted gang leader had taken refuge in the Ajah area of ​​Lagos State with members of his criminal network.

According to the police, “Intelligence revealed that a wanted armed robbery kingpin, believed to be in possession of a British-made pistol, was hiding in the Ajah area of ​​Lagos State with members of his criminal syndicate.”

Although the suspects reportedly fled before they could be arrested, officers searched the hideout and found a large cache of weapons.

The statement lists the evidence found as: “Two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barreled guns with serial numbers T3586 and 0217/2011; One Magnum pump-action shotgun with serial number S&W357; One British-made revolver pistol; and Thirty-six (36) live ammunition.”

Police said efforts continue to track and arrest the fleeing suspect.

The Command noted, “The discovery of these advanced firearms underscores the dangerous capabilities of criminal networks and demonstrates the Command’s resolve to proactively prevent violent crime and dismantle organized criminal groups.”

Describing the operation as a demonstration of intelligence-led policing strategy, police said the success reflected effective collaboration between security agencies and local stakeholders.

According to the statement, “This operational success reaffirms the steadfast commitment of the Oyo State Police Command to protect lives and property through intelligence-led policing, rapid operational response and effective inter-agency collaboration.”

The command also commended the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters and community members for providing critical support that contributed to the success of both operations.

Police said the investigation is still ongoing and all the arrested suspects will be tried in court once the investigation is complete.