The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children, arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms during separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the first operation followed a distress report that armed hoodlums invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, attacked residents and abducted two children.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered an immediate rescue operation involving police operatives, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The statement said, “Acting on credible intelligence, supported by technical resources and coordinated field operations, the joint security team successfully traced the abductors’ hideout deep within the forest.
“On sighting the advancing security team, the hoodlums opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. The operatives responded professionally, overpowering the criminals and forcing them to flee in different directions.”
Police said one suspect, Umaru Usman, 25, sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and was arrested. Officers also recovered three mobile phones at the scene.
The command added, “In a follow-up operation conducted in the early hours of Saturday, 28th June, 2026, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed (28), was arrested. He was found to have sustained gunshot wounds believed to have been inflicted during the exchange of fire with the joint security team. He was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.”
Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, whom police described as a local collaborator, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who allegedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the kidnapping operation.
According to the statement, “The four suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network.”
Police confirmed that the two abducted children were rescued alive and reunited with their family.
“The two abducted children were rescued safely and promptly taken for medical attention. One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but received treatment before both children were successfully reunited with their family.”
In a separate operation targeting an armed robbery syndicate, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit acted on intelligence indicating that a wanted robbery kingpin was hiding in the Ajah area of Lagos State with members of his gang.
“The intelligence revealed that a wanted armed robbery kingpin, believed to be in possession of an English-made pistol, was hiding in the Ajah area of Lagos State alongside members of his criminal syndicate,” the police said.
Although the suspects escaped after spotting the operatives, a search of their hideout led to the recovery of several weapons.
Police recovered two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns with serial numbers T3586 and 0217/2011, one Magnum pump-action rifle with serial number S&W357, one English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges.
The command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“The recovery of these sophisticated firearms underscores the dangerous capability of the criminal network and demonstrates the Command’s resolve to proactively prevent violent crimes and dismantle organised criminal groups.”
The police described the successful operations as further evidence of their commitment to intelligence-led policing, prompt response and effective collaboration with other security agencies.
The command also commended the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters and members of the public for their support, noting that their cooperation contributed significantly to the success of both operations.
Investigations are ongoing, while all suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.