Police Foil Kidnappings, Rescue Victims, Arrest Murder Suspects In Oyo
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – THE Oyo State Police Command has recorded major operational successes, including the foiling of kidnapping attempts, the rescue of abducted victims, and the arrest of suspects linked to murder and other fatal incidents across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, attributing the achievements to sustained intelligence-led policing and proactive crime-fighting strategies under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna.
“The Oyo State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements have no hiding place within the state,” Olayinka said.
According to the statement, operatives foiled a kidnapping operation on January 11, 2026, at Budo, via Bassi Camp in Iseyin, where about five armed men abducted a 60-year-old man, Isiaku Saidu.
Following the incident, CP Haruna ordered an immediate response.
“The Commissioner of Police directed that everything must be done to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible,” the spokesperson stated.
A joint team from the Ago-Are Police Division and other security agencies launched intensive patrols and bush-combing operations, leading to the discovery of the kidnappers’ hideout. The suspects reportedly engaged operatives in a gun duel.
“During the confrontation, one suspect was neutralised, another was arrested and is currently cooperating with investigators, while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” Olayinka disclosed, urging members of the public to report anyone seen with suspicious bullet injuries.
The Command also confirmed the rescue of a kidnapped woman, Hussinat Abubakar, at Gelede Camp in Komu. Acting on actionable intelligence, operatives from the Komu Division carried out aggressive bush-combing operations, leading to her rescue without any ransom being paid.
“No ransom was paid in the course of this operation, underscoring our determination to rescue victims promptly and deny criminals the proceeds of their crimes,” the police said.
Three suspects — Kari Ibrahim (22), Dure Jimoh (25), and Abubakar Sidi (55) — were arrested and reportedly confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping. Six expended cartridges were recovered at the scene, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate. The rescued victim is currently receiving medical attention.
In a separate development, the Command arrested a suspect in connection with the killing of a student of Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki.
Police said a distress call was received on January 7, 2026, over a violent clash among students behind the institution.
“One of the students sustained a gunshot wound to the back and later died while receiving treatment,” the statement said. “A suspect, Olatunji David Segun, has been arrested, and investigations have commenced to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident.”
The police also confirmed the arrest of one Waheed Rasaki, 35, over a fatal hunting incident at Oretan Ijaiye Forest in Moniya.
“The suspect reported that he mistakenly shot his colleague, Femi Oyedepom, during a hunting expedition. Officers promptly visited the scene, recovered the body, and took the suspect into custody,” Olayinka said.
Commending officers involved in the operations, CP Haruna praised their professionalism and bravery, describing their actions as critical to restoring public confidence.
“I commend the gallant officers whose swift actions led to the arrest of dangerous criminals, the neutralisation of threats, and the safe rescue of kidnapped victims,” the Commissioner said.
He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for their continued support, assuring residents that the Command remains fully committed to maintaining law and order and bringing offenders to justice.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police by reporting suspicious activities through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line 615 or the Command’s control room numbers.