The Oyo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against crime, foiling kidnapping attempts, rescuing abducted victims and arresting suspects linked to murder and other fatal incidents across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, attributing the successes to sustained intelligence-led policing and proactive strategies under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna.
According to the police, a kidnapping attempt was foiled 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 rescue operation, leading to coordinated patrols and bush-combing by operatives of the Ago-Are Police Division and other security agencies.
“The kidnappers’ hideout was discovered, and a gun duel ensued. One suspect was neutralised, another arrested and is currently assisting investigations, while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” Olayinka said, urging the public to report anyone seen with suspicious bullet injuries.
In another operation, police rescued a kidnapped woman, Hussinat Abubakar, at Gelede Camp in Komu. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Komu Division carried out aggressive bush-combing operations that led to her rescue without any ransom being paid.
Three suspects — Kari Ibrahim (22), Dure Jimoh (25) and Abubakar Sidi (55) — were arrested in connection with the abduction and reportedly confessed to the crime. Six expended cartridges were recovered at the scene, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate. The rescued victim is currently receiving medical attention.
In a separate incident, the Command arrested a suspect over the killing of a student of Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki. Police said the student died from a gunshot wound sustained during a violent clash among students behind the institution on January 7, 2026.
“A suspect, Olatunji David Segun, has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the police said.
The police also confirmed the arrest of Waheed Rasaki, 35, in connection with a fatal hunting incident at Oretan Ijaiye Forest, Moniya. Rasaki reportedly admitted to mistakenly shooting his colleague, Femi Oyedepom, during a hunting expedition.
Commending the officers involved, CP Haruna praised their bravery and professionalism, describing the operations as critical to restoring public confidence in security.
He also thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for their continued support, assuring residents that the Command remains resolute in maintaining law and order.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and support the police by reporting suspicious activities through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line 615 or the Command’s control room numbers.
