The arrested suspects
Oyo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing campaign against violent crime, rescuing two children abducted by armed kidnappers and arresting four suspects linked to the crime, while also recovering a cache of sophisticated firearms in a separate intelligence-led operation.
The operations, carried out in different locations, underscore the Command’s intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across the state.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the rescue operation followed a distress call received on Friday, June 27, reporting that armed men invaded Ebinpejo Village, via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly ransacked homes, assaulted residents and abducted two children.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to immediately mobilise police operatives in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters to launch a coordinated search for the victims.
Acting on intelligence and technical support, the joint security team traced the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside a forest. The suspects reportedly opened fire on the operatives upon sighting them, leading to a gun battle.
Police said the operatives responded effectively, forcing the kidnappers to flee into the forest.
One of the suspects, identified as 25-year-old Umaru Usman, sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and was arrested. Three mobile phones were recovered during the operation.
A follow-up operation in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, led to the arrest of another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, who was also found with gunshot injuries believed to have been sustained during the exchange of fire. He was taken to hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.
Investigators subsequently arrested Sunday Idowu, 30, who is alleged to have provided logistical support to the kidnappers, as well as Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who reportedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.
Police said the four suspects are assisting investigators with information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the criminal gang.
The abducted children were rescued unharmed and taken for medical attention. While one of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal, police said both children received treatment before being reunited with their family.
The Command said investigations into the kidnapping case are continuing.
In another operation, police operatives attached to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit recovered several sophisticated firearms from a suspected armed robbery syndicate during a raid carried out on Friday, June 27.
The operation followed intelligence indicating that a wanted armed robbery kingpin, believed to be in possession of an English-made pistol, was hiding with members of his gang in the Ajah area of Lagos State.
Although the suspects escaped before they could be apprehended, a thorough search of their hideout led to the recovery of two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns with serial numbers T3586 and 0217/2011, one Magnum pump-action rifle bearing serial number S&W357, one English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges.
Police said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.
The Command noted that the recovery of the weapons highlights the operational capability of the gang while reaffirming its determination to prevent violent crimes through intelligence-led policing and coordinated security operations.
The police also commended the support of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters and members of the public whose cooperation contributed to the successful operations.
The Command further expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continued leadership and support in strengthening policing operations across the country.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to the police and other security agencies, with assurances that all reports would be treated confidentially.
Police said investigations into both cases are ongoing and that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
