Oyo police rescue kidnap victims in Iseyin and Itesiwaju, arrest syndicate members, and prevent ransom payments in major operations

The Oyo State Police Command has successfully rescued two kidnap victims and arrested multiple members of a criminal syndicate in separate operations across Iseyin and Itesiwaju Local Government Areas of the state.

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According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the first operation occurred in Budo, Iseyin, on 11 January, following the abduction of 60-year-old Isiaku Saidu by a gang of five armed hoodlums.

The suspects, carrying guns and cutlasses, had invaded Budo via Bassi Camp.

Acting on a directive from the state Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, officers from the Ago-Are division, in collaboration with partner agencies, conducted intensive patrols and bush-combing operations.

The joint team located the kidnappers’ hideout, prompting a gun duel that resulted in the neutralisation of one suspect, the arrest of another who is cooperating with investigations, while the remaining suspects fled with bullet wounds.

In a separate operation in Komu, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, the police rescued Hussinat Abubakar without any ransom paid.

Three suspects Kari Ibrahim, 22; Dure Jimoh, 25; and Abubakar Sidi, 55 were arrested and have confessed to their involvement in the abduction.

Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate.

Ayanlade said six expended cartridges were recovered at the scene, underscoring the armed resistance encountered by the operatives.

The victims are receiving medical attention and support at local hospitals, while the arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.

The police urged the public to report anyone with bullet injuries to the nearest station, highlighting the Command’s commitment to preventing ransom payments and ensuring rapid response to kidnapping incidents.

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“These operations demonstrate our determination to secure lives promptly, dismantle kidnapping networks, and maintain public safety across Oyo State,” Ayanlade said.