IBADAN – The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children, arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered sophisticated firearms in separate operations, reaffirming its determination to stamp out violent crimes across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, saying the successful operations were carried out in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters through intelligence-led policing.
According to the statement, armed hoodlums stormed Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area on Friday, June 27, where they allegedly invaded homes, assaulted residents and abducted two children.
Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to mobilise police operatives alongside Amotekun personnel, local vigilantes and hunters to rescue the victims and arrest the kidnappers.
Acting on credible intelligence backed by technical surveillance, the joint security team tracked the suspects to a hideout deep inside a forest.
On sighting the operatives, the kidnappers reportedly opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle. The security team, however, overpowered the criminals, forcing them to flee.
One of the suspects, Umaru Usman, 25, who sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange, was arrested while attempting to escape. Three mobile phones were recovered from the scene.
A follow-up operation in the early hours of Saturday led to the arrest of another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, who was also found with gunshot wounds believed to have been sustained during the gun duel. He was taken to hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, who allegedly provided logistics for the gang, while Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, was apprehended for allegedly travelling from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the kidnapping operation.
Police said the suspects are providing useful information that will assist in tracking down other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate.
The abducted children were rescued alive and rushed for medical attention. One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but was treated before both children were reunited with their family.
In another breakthrough, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit recovered a cache of sophisticated weapons from the hideout of a suspected armed robbery syndicate in the Ajah area of Lagos State.
The operation followed credible intelligence that a wanted armed robbery kingpin and members of his gang were hiding in the area.
Although the suspects escaped before the operatives arrived, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, one Magnum pump-action rifle, one English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges.
The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects, noting that the recovery highlighted the dangerous capabilities of the criminal network and underscored the police’s determination to dismantle organised crime.
The police commended the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters and members of the public for their cooperation during the operations.
The Command also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continued support and leadership.
It assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
