Two children abducted during a violent raid on a community in Oyo State have been rescued alive after a coordinated security operation that also led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers and the recovery of high-grade firearms linked to an armed robbery syndicate.
The Oyo State Police Command announced the breakthroughs on Monday, saying the operations were driven by intelligence and carried out in partnership with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups and hunters. Police described the successes as part of their sustained efforts to combat kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.
Police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the rescue mission began after a distress call on June 27 reported that armed men had stormed Ebinpejo Village near Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly invaded homes, terrorised residents and abducted two children before fleeing into the forest.
Following the report, Commissioner of Police CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to work with other security agencies and community security outfits to launch an immediate rescue operation. Acting on intelligence and technical support, security operatives traced the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside a forest, where they came under gunfire from the suspects.
The operatives returned fire, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their position and flee. One suspect, Umaru Usman, who sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape, was arrested at the scene, while three mobile phones were recovered. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, who was also found with gunshot injuries believed to have been sustained during the exchange of fire. Police later arrested Sunday Idowu, accused of providing logistical support to the gang, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, who allegedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the kidnapping.
The Command said the four suspects are assisting investigators in tracking down other members of the criminal network. The rescued children were taken for medical evaluation and treatment before being reunited with their family. One of the victims reportedly received treatment for injuries sustained during captivity.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, investigators uncovered a cache of sophisticated weapons believed to belong to an armed robbery syndicate. The operation followed an earlier arrest made on June 12, which led detectives to a hideout in the Ajah area of Lagos State. Although the suspects escaped before police arrived, officers recovered two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, a Magnum pump-action rifle, an English-made revolver pistol and 36 rounds of live ammunition.
The Oyo State Police Command said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network. It commended the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters and residents whose support contributed to the successful operations, while assuring the public that all suspects will be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.
