Security operatives in Ondo State on Wednesday rescued two kidnap victims after a coordinated operation in the Itaogbolu forest, Akure North Local Government Area, which also led to the arrest of one suspected kidnapper.
The victims, identified as David and his wife, were abducted at about 5 a.m. from their farm hut in Odeigede Camp, a border community between Ondo and Ekiti States. Their abduction prompted an immediate response from police operatives and local vigilante groups, who jointly launched a pursuit into the dense forest.
The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the operation was executed by officers from the Iju–Itaogbolu Division in collaboration with the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) and vigilant members of the community. He explained that the team tracked the kidnappers deep into the forest terrain.
According to him, the pressure mounted by the combined team forced the abductors to abandon their victims. David, who reportedly sustained machete cuts, managed to escape with his wife during the commotion before being located and rescued by the operatives.
Ayanlade added that the team pressed further into the forest after securing the couple, eventually locating a hut linked to the kidnappers. One suspect was arrested at the spot, and several items were recovered, including a Samsung Note 10 phone, a sword, and a broken bottle found in the suspect’s pocket.
“Although the kidnappers wore masks during the incident, the physical build and appearance of the arrested suspect matched the description provided by the victim,” Ayanlade said. He noted that the suspect has been cooperating with investigators and has given credible information to help track down fleeing accomplices.
All recovered exhibits, he said, have been transferred to SAKS for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, praised the swift response of the Iju–Itaogbolu Divisional Police Station, the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and the courageous youths who supported the operation. He also commended the officers involved for their dedication, sacrifice and professionalism.
