Police Rescue 15-Year-Old Kidnap Victim, Neutralise Suspect In Oyo

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this on Sunday, saying the operation followed credible intelligence received by the Command on October 22, 2026, at about 5pm.

According to him, the intelligence indicated that suspected kidnappers were demanding ransom for the release of a victim abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area on October 18, 2026.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, subsequently directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section, working with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to rescue the victim and apprehend the suspects.

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,” Olayinka said.

He added that the neutralised suspect was taken to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead, while his corpse was deposited in a morgue.

The police spokesperson said the operatives recovered an Android mobile phone and a cutlass during the operation, adding that the items would form part of the ongoing investigation.

Olayinka urged residents, particularly those living around the Awe–Iwo Road axis and neighbouring communities, to remain vigilant and report anyone suspected of having gunshot wounds.

He also called on 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 the incident.

“Such timely information could prove crucial to locating the fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities,” he said.

He advised members of the public to report through the nearest police station or the Command’s established communication channels, assuring them that credible information would support efforts to bring the fleeing suspects to justice.

The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security stakeholders would be sustained to dismantle criminal networks and curb kidnapping across the state.

He urged the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remained essential to improving security.