Monday, October 26 2026 - The Oyo State Police command has rescued a 15-year-old kidnapped boy, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a coordinated security operation along the Awe–Iwo Road axis of the state.
A statement issued by the state Police Public Relations
Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday, said the
operation followed credible intelligence received by the command on Thursday,
October 22, 2026.
Ayanlade explained that the operation resulted in a gun duel
after the suspected kidnappers opened fire upon sighting the advancing security
team.
He added that despite the attack, the operatives
successfully rescued the victim, while one yet-to-be-identified suspected
kidnapper was neutralised.
The PPRO stressed that other members of the gang fled in
different directions, reportedly with gunshot injuries.
The statement read, “The Oyo State Police Command has
successfully rescued a 15-year-old kidnapping victim and neutralised a
suspected kidnapper during a coordinated security operation along the Awe–Iwo
Road axis of Oyo State.
“The operation followed credible intelligence received by
the Command on October 22, 2026, at about 1700 hours, indicating that suspected
kidnappers were demanding ransom for the release of a victim abducted from the
Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area on 18th October 2026.
“Upon receipt of the intelligence, the state Commissioner of
Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section,
working in close collaboration with Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to
move against the suspects and secure the victim’s release.
“Consequently, the operatives mobilised to the Pipeline,
Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road, where they advanced on the suspects’
location. At about 2130 hours, the operation resulted in a gun duel after the
suspected kidnappers opened fire upon sighting the advancing security team.
Despite the attack, the operatives successfully rescued the victim, identified
as Sumaila Muhammadu, a 15-year-old male, while one yet-to-be-identified
suspected kidnapper was neutralised. Other members of the gang fled in
different directions, reportedly with gunshot injuries.
“Following the encounter, the neutralised suspect was taken
to the Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead. His corpse was
subsequently deposited at the morgue,” the statement stated.
The command, therefore, reaffirmed its commitment to
combating kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-led
policing.
Meanwhile, the operatives recovered one Android mobile phone
and a cutlass during the operation, which will form part of the ongoing
investigative process.
The statement added, “Given that the fleeing suspects may
have sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire, the command is
urging residents, particularly those living around the Awe–Iwo Road axis and
adjoining communities, to remain vigilant and promptly report anyone presenting
with suspicious gunshot wounds to the Police.
“Such timely information could prove crucial to locating the
fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities.”
The Police further urged medical practitioners, hospital
administrators, and other healthcare workers to promptly notify the Police of
anyone seeking treatment for gunshot injuries suspected to be connected with
this incident.
“Reports may be made through the nearest police station or
the command’s established communication channels, with the assurance that
credible information will assist ongoing efforts to bring the fleeing suspects
to justice.
The CP, therefore, reassured residents that the command
would sustain intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with
relevant security stakeholders to dismantle criminal networks and prevent
kidnapping across the state.
He also called on members of the public to continue
supporting the Police with timely and credible information, stressing that
public cooperation remains essential to achieving lasting security.
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