Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 In Oyo
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an intelligence-led operation in the Ikoyi-Ile area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noting that the operation was triggered by credible intelligence from a member of the public.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of the successful arrest of a notorious kidnapper and recovery of a firearm through a coordinated, intelligence-led operation,” he said.
Olayinka explained that the information received indicated that three armed men were seen moving around forests and farmlands in the Ikoyi-Ile axis with dangerous weapons.
“In this instance, information received from a vigilant member of the public revealed that three armed men, armed with an AK-47 rifle and other weapons, were seen marauding around the forest and farmland in the Ikoyi-Ile area,” he added.
Acting on the tip-off, a joint team of operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ikoyi-Ile Division conducted a combing operation in the area, leading to the arrest of one suspect identified as Muhammadu Abubakar.
Items recovered from the suspect include an AK-47 rifle with breach number 6628/2274, six rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and three live cartridges.
“The operation culminated in the arrest of one of the suspects… from whom an AK-47 rifle, six rounds of live ammunition, and cartridges were recovered,” Olayinka stated.
He said the suspect confessed during interrogation to involvement in a series of kidnapping activities along the Ogbomoso–Ikoyi-Ile axis and is currently cooperating with investigators.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to a series of kidnapping activities around the Ogbomoso–Ikoyi-Ile axis and has been cooperating with ongoing investigations,” he said.
According to him, further findings revealed that the suspect had been on the command’s radar and is linked to cross-border criminal operations.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Olugbenga, has ordered that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
Meanwhile, the police boss commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication.
The command also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Rilwan Disu, for his support and strategic leadership.
It urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in combating crime.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to tackling violent crimes such as kidnapping and banditry, assuring residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property across the state.