The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old kidnapping victim and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a gun duel along the Awe–Iwo Road axis, with other members of the gang fleeing with suspected gunshot injuries.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, saying the operation followed credible intelligence received on October 22, 2026, about ransom demands for the release of a victim abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area on October 18.
According to the statement, Commissioner of Police Abimbola Olugbenga, directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section, working with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to track the suspects and secure the victim’s release.
The security team subsequently moved to the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road, where they engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle at about 9:30 p.m. after the gang opened fire on sighting the operatives.
The operation led to the rescue of the victim, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, while one unidentified suspected kidnapper was neutralised.
Other members of the gang reportedly escaped in different directions with possible gunshot injuries.
The statement added that the neutralised suspect was taken to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead, before his remains were deposited at the morgue.
The operatives also recovered an Android mobile phone and a cutlass during the operation.
The Command urged residents, particularly those around the Awe–Iwo Road axis and neighbouring communities, to remain vigilant and report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds to the Police.
Medical practitioners, hospital administrators and other healthcare workers were equally advised to promptly notify the Police of anyone seeking treatment for gunshot injuries suspected to be connected with the incident.
The Command said such reports could be made through the nearest police station or its established communication channels, assuring the public that credible information would support efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security stakeholders to dismantle criminal networks and curb kidnapping across the state.
He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remained vital to sustaining peace and protecting lives and property.
