‎Oyo Police Rescue Abducted Children, Arrest Four Kidnap Suspects, Recover Sophisticated Firearms

‎The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children, arrested four suspected kidnappers, and recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms in separate operations targeting violent criminal networks across the state.
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‎The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, said the operations underscored the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.
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‎According to the CP, “the rescue operation was launched after armed men stormed Ebinpejo Village in Lanlate, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, on June 27, where they attacked residents, ransacked homes, and abducted two children.”
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Recovered Sophisticated Firearms

‎The CP immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to mobilise operatives alongside personnel of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters for an intensive search of the surrounding forests.
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‎Acting on credible intelligence and supported by technical surveillance, the joint security team tracked the kidnappers to their hideout. The suspects reportedly opened fire on sighting the operatives, leading to a gun battle. The security team overpowered the assailants, forcing them to flee.
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‎One suspect, identified as 25-year-old Umaru Usman, was arrested after sustaining gunshot injuries while attempting to escape. Three mobile phones were recovered during the operation.
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‎A follow-up raid on June 28 led to the arrest of another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, who was also found with gunshot wounds allegedly sustained during the exchange of fire. He was taken to hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.
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‎Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, who allegedly provided logistical support to the gang, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who reportedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.
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‎Police said the four suspects are assisting investigators to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate.
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‎The abducted children were rescued unharmed and taken for medical evaluation. One of the victims, who sustained injuries during captivity, received treatment before both children were reunited with their family.
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‎In a separate operation, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit recovered a cache of sophisticated weapons linked to a suspected armed robbery syndicate.
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‎The operation, carried out on June 27, followed intelligence indicating that a wanted robbery kingpin was hiding in the Ajah area of Lagos State with members of his gang.
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‎Although the suspects escaped before police arrived, a search of their hideout led to the recovery of two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, one Magnum pump-action rifle, one English-made revolver pistol, and 36 live cartridges.
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‎The police said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing kingpin and dismantle the criminal network.
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‎The command described the recovery as a major breakthrough, noting that the seizure of the high-grade weapons highlights both the threat posed by the syndicate and the determination of security agencies to keep criminals off the streets. Investigations into both cases are ongoing.