The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped victims and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a fierce gun battle with armed abductors in a forest at Gbonkan, Oorelope Local Government Area of the state.
The operation followed the abduction of three men by heavily armed kidnappers who invaded Gaa Alhaji, Gbonkan, via Ipapo, on Monday night, firing sporadically to scare residents before whisking away their victims.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the attackers struck at about 8:30 p.m. and abducted Alhaji Usman Abubakar, Aliu Usman and Saliu Abubakar.
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately ordered a coordinated rescue operation involving officers of the Nigeria Police Force, operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and local hunters.
According to Ayanlade, the joint security team swiftly moved to the crime scene, carried out a forensic assessment and deployed intelligence-led tactics to track the kidnappers through nearby forests and neighbouring communities.
The search eventually led the operatives to the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside the forest, where the criminals reportedly opened fire on the advancing security team.
“The operatives responded with superior firepower, leading to a fierce gun battle during which one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, while others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries,” Ayanlade said.
He added that a member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The police spokesman said the operation resulted in the successful rescue of two of the kidnapped victims.
According to him, one of the victims suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot injury and was rushed to hospital for treatment, while the second victim also received medical attention following the traumatic ordeal.
He explained that the third victim became separated from the others after reportedly fleeing in another direction during the gun battle.
“The victim is believed to be safe, while intensive search efforts are ongoing to locate and reunite him with his family,” Ayanlade stated.
He assured residents that security operatives had continued to comb the forest while exploiting intelligence to track down the fleeing suspects.
The command reiterated its resolve to arrest every member of the criminal gang and ensure they face justice.
Commending the security personnel involved in the operation, Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga praised the professionalism, courage and synergy displayed by the police, Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and local hunters, describing their collaboration as key to the success of the rescue mission.
He assured residents that the operation would continue until the remaining victim is found and every member of the kidnap gang is apprehended.
The command also appealed to residents of Ipapo, Gbonkan and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information.
It urged members of the public to report anyone with suspicious injuries, particularly gunshot wounds, or individuals seeking medical treatment under questionable circumstances, noting that such information could assist ongoing investigations.
The police assured residents that all information would be treated with strict confidentiality, while reaffirming their commitment to protecting lives and property across Oyo State.
