Dare Babalola
Oyo State Police Command says it has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes with the arrest of a suspected kidnapper during a rescue operation in the state.
The command disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the operation was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday after intelligence reports indicated that a gang of kidnappers had gathered at Otefon Village Forest to collect ransom from relatives of an abducted victim.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, immediately directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in the Oyo/Iseyin axis, working alongside members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to move into the area for the rescue mission and arrest of the suspects.
Police investigations showed that the gang, said to be made up of about six armed men, had invaded the residence of one Alhaji Bagudu on May 9 at Ilowa Village and abducted him.
The victim was reportedly taken into the forest, while the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N10 million for his release.
Security operatives were said to have prioritised the safe release of the victim before launching tactical moves against the suspects.
After confirming that the victim had regained freedom unharmed, operatives advanced to the location where the gang had assembled.
The command said intelligence gathering and technological tools helped security personnel identify the exact meeting point, where officers laid an ambush.
However, the suspects allegedly opened fire on sighting the approaching security team, leading to a gun battle.
During the exchange, the kidnappers fled into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries, while one suspect, identified as Mohammed Sanni, was arrested.
Police also recovered a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, believed to have been used by the gang for logistics and operations.
Other items recovered from the scene included a mobile phone, a pair of slippers and a cap, all of which are undergoing forensic examination.
The police said the suspect is in custody and has provided useful information concerning his alleged role and the activities of the criminal gang.
It added that efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate.
The command urged residents with useful information that could aid the investigation or lead to the arrest of the suspects to report to the nearest police station or security post.
It also advised members of the public to immediately report anyone seen with suspicious gunshot wounds or injuries.
According to the police, the operation highlights the importance of intelligence sharing and continued cooperation between security agencies and the public in tackling crime across Oyo State.
