The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old kidnapping sufferer and neutralised a suspected kidnapper throughout a safety operation alongside the Awe–Iwo Road axis of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this on Sunday, saying the operation adopted credible intelligence acquired by the Command on October 22, 2026, at about 5pm.
According to him, the intelligence indicated that suspected kidnappers had been demanding ransom for the discharge of a sufferer kidnapped from the Onidundun space of Akinyele Local Government Area on October 18, 2026.
He stated the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, subsequently directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section, working with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to rescue the sufferer and apprehend the suspects.
The operatives mobilised to the Pipeline, Ajagba axis alongside the Awe–Iwo Road, the place they superior on the suspects’ location.
“At about 2130 hours, the operation resulted in a gun duel after the suspected kidnappers opened hearth upon sighting the advancing safety workforce.
“Despite the assault, the operatives efficiently rescued the sufferer, recognized as Sumaila Muhammadu, a 15-year-old male, whereas one yet-to-be-identified suspected kidnapper was neutralised.
“Other members of the gang fled in different directions, reportedly with gunshot injuries,” Olayinka stated.
He added that the neutralised suspect was taken to a hospital, the place a medical physician confirmed him useless, whereas his corpse was deposited in a morgue.
The police spokesperson stated the operatives recovered an Android cell phone and a cutlass throughout the operation, including that the objects would kind a part of the continuing investigation.
Olayinka urged residents, notably these residing across the Awe–Iwo Road axis and neighbouring communities, to stay vigilant and report anybody suspected of getting gunshot wounds.
He additionally known as on medical practitioners, hospital directors and different healthcare employees to promptly notify the police of anybody looking for therapy for gunshot accidents suspected to be linked with the incident.
“Such timely information could prove crucial to locating the fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities,” he stated.
He suggested members of the general public to report by way of the closest police station or the Command’s established communication channels, assuring them that credible info would assist efforts to deliver the fleeing suspects to justice.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to defending lives and property, assuring residents that intelligence-led operations and collaboration with different safety stakeholders can be sustained to dismantle prison networks and curb kidnapping throughout the state.
He urged the general public to proceed supporting the police with well timed and credible info, stressing that group cooperation remained important to bettering safety.
