Oyo Police Kill 2 Suspected Kidnappers, Arrest 4, Rescue Victims, Recover Firearms

The Oyo State Police Command on Sunday confirmed the killing of two suspected kidnappers, the arrest of four others, the rescue of a kidnapped woman and her twin sons, and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other exhibits.

Addressing journalists in Ibadan, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, said the briefing was in continuation of an earlier press statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer and was convened to provide a more detailed account of the operation.

He said the update was necessary to inform the public about a coordinated intelligence-led operation that led to the neutralisation of two kidnappers, the arrest of four principal suspects and collaborators, and the recovery of weapons, vehicles and other incriminating materials.

“The Oyo State Police Command hereby formally briefs the public on a significant operational breakthrough recorded in its ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state,” he said.

“The Command remains committed to transparency, accountability and sustained collaboration with members of the public in the fight against crime.”

The commissioner explained that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in synergy with the Oyo State Police Command and other tactical units of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to him, the operation followed a distress call received on June 3, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m., reporting the abduction of Mrs. Adegoke Olaide Busayo, aged 42, alongside her 11-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, at Elewura Street, off Ring Road, Ibadan.

He said the victims were abducted while being taken to school in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Camry by four armed men.

Olugbenga noted that upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, ordered an immediate intelligence-driven manhunt for the perpetrators.

He said the operation led to the arrest of one suspect, Wale Abolalewa, popularly known as “Oloro,” who was already on the Command’s watchlist. His arrest, according to him, provided a breakthrough into the syndicate.

“Further interrogation and intelligence exploitation led to the arrest of another suspect, Dare Oyedele, also known as ‘Solution,’ who served as a key operational link in the gang,” he said.

He explained that investigations revealed the gang had earlier attempted to recruit an insider within the victim’s household and had monitored the family’s movements, routines, and the schools attended by the children before executing the abduction.

The commissioner said digital evidence also showed that the suspects conducted surveillance on the victims, including photographs of their vehicles, residence and daily movements.

He added that intelligence-led tracking led operatives to the gang’s hideout in Lado community, Ayegun area of Ibadan.

According to him, on June 6, 2026, at about 7:30 p.m., operatives stormed the location in a coordinated tactical operation aimed at rescuing the victims alive.

He said upon sighting the operatives, one of the gang members, identified as “Kelechi,” engaged the police in a gun duel.

“The operatives responded with superior firepower, leading to the neutralisation of Kelechi and another gang member whose identity is yet to be confirmed,” he said.

He confirmed that the kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and immediately placed under protective custody before being reunited with their family.

Olugbenga added that two additional suspects, Semiu Ishola (39) and Adeyemi Ayobami (35), were arrested for allegedly facilitating the criminal hideout used by the gang.

He said items recovered from the suspects included three pump-action guns, 14 live cartridges, one unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla, a battle axe, a hammer, suspected hard drugs, face masks, and other incriminating materials.

The commissioner said investigations were ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend fleeing suspects believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the operation.

He commended the Inspector-General of Police for strategic support and praised the Oyo State Government for its cooperation in strengthening security across the state.

He also urged members of the public, medical practitioners, and traditional healers to report individuals with suspicious gunshot injuries or unusual medical cases to the nearest police station.

Olugbenga reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.