Oyo police rescue kidnap victim and arrest robbery suspects after coordinated security operations in Iseyin and Irawo
The Oyo State Police Command has recorded major security breakthroughs after foiling an attempted robbery attack in Iseyin and rescuing an abducted farmer in the Irawo area of the state.
Police authorities confirmed on Thursday in Ibadan that one robbery suspect was killed, two others were arrested and four suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of a farmer were apprehended during separate intelligence-led operations.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the attempted robbery occurred around 2am along Saki Road in Iseyin after detectives received credible intelligence about an ongoing attack at a residence previously targeted in February.
According to the command, officers deployed to the area discovered that about five armed men had invaded the residence before encountering resistance from the resident security guard.
“The resident security guard engaged the attackers in a gun duel, leading to the killing of one suspect and the arrest of two others, while other gang members escaped with suspected gunshot injuries,” the statement said.
Recovered items included a locally made cut-to-size gun, one expended cartridge, one live cartridge, five mobile phones, two power banks and cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activity.
Ayanlade disclosed that one victim of an earlier robbery operation in the area positively identified the arrested suspects as members of the gang that attacked his residence on April 13, 2026.
The police said investigations had been intensified to determine the suspects’ involvement in other violent crimes within and outside Iseyin.
In a related operation, the command confirmed the successful rescue of Quadri Oloriegbe, a farmer abducted on April 29 at Olopoto Village via Abugbudu in the Irawo area.
Police said five armed men stormed the community, fired gunshots and whisked the victim away to an unknown destination.
Following the abduction, Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Abimbola ordered a coordinated rescue mission involving tactical police units, Agbekoya operatives, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The Oyo police rescue kidnap victim operation intensified through sustained bush-combing exercises and intelligence surveillance, leading to the arrest of a suspect identified as Umaru Bokolo.
Police said information obtained from the suspect’s confession proved decisive in locating and rescuing the abducted farmer.
“The victim was eventually rescued on May 5, 2026, and taken for medical evaluation before reuniting with his family,” the statement added.
Further operations led to the arrest of three additional suspects identified as Zada Abubakar, Husein Rabiu and Abubakar Mohammed.
The suspects are expected to be transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for further investigation and prosecution.
Abimbola praised the combined efforts of security agencies and local operatives involved in the successful operations and urged residents to continue supporting law enforcement authorities with timely intelligence.