Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have rescued two children kidnapped in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, arrested four suspected members of an interstate kidnapping syndicate and recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms during separate intelligence-driven operations.
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 armed men stormed Ebinpejo Village through Lanlate, attacked residents and whisked away two children.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the immediate deployment of a joint rescue team comprising police operatives, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes 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 abductors’ hideout deep within the forest.
“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.”
Police said one of the suspects, identified as 25-year-old Umaru Usman, sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and was apprehended. Three mobile phones believed to be linked to the gang were also recovered from the scene.
The command disclosed that another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, was arrested during a follow-up operation conducted in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, after investigators tracked his movements.
The statement added, “In a follow-up operation conducted in the early hours of Saturday, 28th June, 2026, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed (28), was arrested. He was found to have sustained gunshot wounds believed to have been inflicted during the exchange of fire with the joint security team. He was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.”
Further investigations led detectives to arrest Sunday Idowu, 30, who was alleged to have served as a local accomplice, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who reportedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.
According to the police, “The four suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network.”
The command confirmed that the abducted children were rescued alive and reunited with their family after receiving medical care.
It stated, “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.”
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 alongside members of his criminal network.
According to the police, “The intelligence revealed that a wanted armed robbery kingpin, believed to be in possession of an English-made pistol, was hiding in the Ajah area of Lagos State alongside members of his criminal syndicate.”
Although the suspects reportedly escaped before they could be apprehended, operatives searched the hideout and recovered a large cache of weapons.
The statement listed the recovered exhibits as: “Two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns with serial numbers T3586 and 0217/2011; One Magnum pump-action rifle with serial number S&W357; One English-made revolver pistol; and Thirty-six (36) live cartridges.”
Police said efforts were continuing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The command noted, “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.”
Describing the operations as another demonstration of its intelligence-led policing strategy, the police said the successes reflected effective collaboration among security agencies and local stakeholders.
According to the statement, “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.”
The command also praised the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters and members of the public for providing critical support that contributed to the success of both operations.
Police said investigations remain ongoing and that all arrested suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
(Ripples)