The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children and arrested four suspected kidnappers during a coordinated security operation targeting criminal gangs operating across the state.
The breakthrough, which also led to the recovery of sophisticated firearms linked to an armed robbery syndicate, was achieved through intelligence-driven operations conducted in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters and other security stakeholders.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed the development in a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga.
According to the statement, the rescue mission was triggered after the command received a distress call on Friday, June 27, reporting that heavily armed hoodlums had invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area.
The attackers reportedly assaulted residents, searched several homes and abducted two children before fleeing into a nearby forest.
Following the report, security operatives launched an intelligence-led operation backed by technical support, enabling them to trace the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside the forest.
The police said the suspects were apprehended one after another during the operation, while the abducted children were rescued unharmed.
Authorities confirmed that all four suspects are currently in police custody and are providing investigators with useful information to help identify and arrest other members of the criminal syndicate still at large.
The command added that investigations are ongoing as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle the wider criminal network responsible for kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
The latest success comes amid growing concerns over a rise in kidnapping incidents across Oyo State in recent months.
One of the most notable cases occurred on May 15 in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, abducting 45 pupils and teachers.
Days after the attack, reports emerged that one of the abducted victims, a Mathematics teacher, had been killed by the kidnappers.
The remaining victims of the Oriire school abduction are yet to be rescued, with security agencies continuing operations aimed at securing their release and apprehending those responsible.
The Oyo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with other security outfits and community stakeholders to combat kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.
