The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 60-year-old kidnap victim, Isiaku Saidu, in Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government Area of the state.
A statement released on Tuesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, said another three-member kidnapping syndicate was also arrested in the Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state.
Ayanlade explained that the successful operations followed a directive by the state Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, that no stone should be left unturned to ensure the security of lives and property across the state.
He said, “Over the past week, the command has recorded multiple operational successes, including the foiling of kidnapping attempts, the rescue of abducted victims, and the arrest of murder suspects.
“Oyo Police foiled a kidnapping operation in Budo, Iseyin, on January 11, 2026. Armed hoodlums, numbering about five and armed with guns and cutlasses, invaded Budo via Bassi Camp in Iseyin and abducted Isiaku Saidu, male, 60 years.
“Upon receipt of this information, the state Commissioner of Police directed that everything must be done to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.
“Premised on this directive, the Divisional Police Officer, Ago-Are, in a joint operation with partner agencies, embarked on aggressive patrols and bush-combing operations, which led to the discovery of the hideout of the suspected kidnappers.
“Upon sighting the combined team, the suspects opened fire, engaging the operatives in a gun duel. This confrontation resulted in the neutralisation of one suspect, while another was arrested and is currently cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The remaining suspects fled the scene with bullet wounds.”
The police urged members of the public to alert the nearest police stations if anyone with bullet injuries is seen in their areas.
On the rescue of another kidnapped victim at Gelede Camp, Komu, in the Itesiwaju Local Government Area, the police said the victim was rescued without any ransom paid and three suspects were arrested.
“Following the disruption of the Budo kidnapping attempt, the command’s vigilance extended to Komu, where Hussinat Abubakar, female, had been abducted at Gelede Camp.
“Acting on this directive, the Divisional Police Officer, Komu, in collaboration with partner agencies, embarked on rigorous bush-combing operations.
“These efforts led to the rescue of the kidnapped victim without a dime being paid and the arrest of three suspects, namely Kari Ibrahim, male, 22 years; Dure Jimoh, male, 25 years; and Abubakar Sidi, male, 55 years.
“The suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crime, while investigations continue to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate.
“The victim is receiving treatment and necessary support at a hospital, while the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
“Additionally, six expended cartridges were recovered at the scene. This operation highlights the Command’s determination to secure victims promptly and prevent ransom payments that embolden criminals,” the statement said.
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