Ibadan, May 26, 2026
The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against crime following the killing of three suspected kidnappers and the rescue of a victim during a joint security operation in the Otu area of Oke-Ogun.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan.
He explained that the operation was carried out in collaboration with local hunters and other security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and violent crime across the state.
According to him, the operation was triggered by a distress call on Monday after a group of hunters on an expedition in Otu came under attack by suspected kidnappers.
He noted that no casualties were recorded among the hunters during the initial confrontation.
Acting on the information, a combined team of police operatives, local hunters and other security personnel was swiftly deployed to the area.
Upon arrival, the team was reportedly engaged in a gun battle by the armed suspects, but responded with superior coordination and tactics, leading to the death of three kidnappers.
The operation also led to the rescue of a male victim, identified as 50-year-old Mosudi Gbolagade, who had earlier been abducted in Okaka and held in the Otu forest.
Ayanlade said the rescued victim sustained gunshot injuries and was immediately taken for medical treatment.
He also disclosed that one of the participating local hunters was injured during the exchange and is currently receiving care in a hospital.
Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle without ammunition, a single-barrel gun and a machete, indicating the level of violence planned by the suspects.
Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, commended the bravery and quick response of the security operatives and local hunters involved in the operation.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained operations against criminal groups and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
The police said further investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the fleeing gang and strengthen security across affected communities.