Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command, in collaboration with local hunters, have killed three suspected kidnappers during a gun duel at Otu in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state and rescued a 50-year-old abducted man, Mosudi Gbolagade.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the operation followed a distress call from local hunters who came under attack while on a hunting expedition in the Otu area on May 25, 2026.
According to him, a joint security team comprising police operatives, local hunters and other security agencies was immediately mobilised to the scene.
“Upon arrival, the hoodlums opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel. However, through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers,” he said.
Ayanlade said the operation also led to the rescue of Gbolagade, who had earlier been kidnapped at Okaka and held captive within the Otu community.
He disclosed that the victim sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The police spokesperson added that one local hunter also sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire and was rushed to hospital for medical attention.
Items recovered from the suspects included one AK-47 rifle without ammunition, one single-barrel gun and a machete.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Olugbemiga Abimbola, commended the bravery of the operatives, local hunters and other security stakeholders involved in the operation.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
