The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two children abducted during an attack on a community in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, arrested four suspected kidnappers, and recovered sophisticated firearms from a suspected armed robbery syndicate in a separate operation in Lagos State.
The command announced the successful operations in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayanlade Olayinka, describing them as part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across Oyo State.
According to the police, the kidnapping occurred on Friday when armed men invaded Ebinpejo Village in the Lanlate area of Ibarapa East LGA. The assailants reportedly attacked residents, raided homes, and abducted two children before fleeing into a nearby forest.
Following a distress call, operatives from the Lanlate Police Division, working with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters, launched a coordinated search operation.
The joint security team tracked the suspects to their hideout deep inside the forest, where a gun battle ensued. The kidnappers fled in different directions after the exchange of gunfire.
Police said one of the suspects, 25 year old Umaru Usman, who sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape, was arrested at the scene. Three mobile phones were recovered during the operation.
Further investigations led to the arrest of 28 year old Abdullahi Ahmed on June 28. Police said he also sustained gunshot wounds during the earlier gun battle and was taken to hospital for treatment before being placed in custody.
Investigators later arrested Sunday Idowu, 30, who allegedly provided logistical support to the kidnapping gang, while another suspect, Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, was apprehended for allegedly travelling from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.
Olayinka confirmed that both children were rescued alive, treated for injuries, and safely reunited with their family.
“One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but received treatment before both children were successfully reunited with their family,” he said.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, detectives from the Oyo State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms from the Ajah area of Lagos State, where a wanted armed robbery kingpin and members of his gang were reportedly hiding.
The recovered weapons include two Russian made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, one Magnum pump-action rifle, one English-made revolver pistol, and 36 rounds of live cartridges.
Describing the recovery as a major breakthrough, Olayinka said the seizure demonstrated both the capability of organised criminal groups and the command’s commitment to dismantling them before they carry out attacks.
“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,” he said.
The police spokesperson commended the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters, and residents for their collaboration, noting that community support remains essential in the fight against insecurity.
The command added that investigations into both the kidnapping and firearms recovery are ongoing, and all suspects will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
Source: Precious Omolu
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