Monday, June 29, 2026
The Oyo State Police Command has successfully rescued two children who were abducted by armed hoodlums in Ibarapa East Local Government Area and arrested four suspected kidnappers during a coordinated security operation.
The operation, carried out by the police in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters, also led to the recovery of sophisticated firearms linked to an armed robbery syndicate.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the children were kidnapped after armed men invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate on Friday, June 27, 2026, where they reportedly attacked residents, ransacked homes, and forcefully took the victims away.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately ordered a joint rescue operation. Acting on credible intelligence and technical surveillance, security operatives traced the kidnappers to a hideout deep inside a forest.
The suspects reportedly opened fire upon sighting the security team, leading to a fierce gun battle. However, the operatives overpowered the criminals, forcing them to flee.
During the operation, Umaru Usman (25) was arrested after sustaining gunshot injuries while attempting to escape. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of Abdullahi Ahmed (28), who was also found with gunshot wounds believed to have been sustained during the exchange of fire.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Sunday Idowu (30), who is alleged to have provided logistical support to the kidnappers, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina (29), who reportedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.
The four suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators with information aimed at tracking down other members of the criminal network.
The rescued children have since been reunited with their family after receiving medical attention. One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but has been treated.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit recovered a cache of sophisticated weapons believed to belong to a notorious armed robbery syndicate operating from Ajah, Lagos State.
Items recovered include two Russian-made double-barrel guns, one Magnum pump-action rifle, one English-made revolver pistol, and 36 live cartridges. Although the suspected kingpin escaped during the operation, police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend him and other fleeing members of the gang.
The Oyo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven policing and vowed to sustain operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
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