(Police Officers. Photo Credit: Daily Post)
The Oyo State Police Command has announced that its officers, working alongside local hunters and other security agencies, killed three suspected kidnappers and freed a captive during a joint security operation in Otu, within the state’s Oke-Ogun region.
The announcement was made in an official statement on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
The operation was triggered by a distress call received on May 25, 2026, from local hunters who had come under attack by suspected kidnappers while on a hunting expedition in Otu.
No casualties were recorded among the hunters during that initial confrontation.
A response team made up of police officers, local hunters, and other security personnel was promptly deployed to the area.
Upon arrival, the suspects opened fire on the team, resulting in a gun battle.
Through coordinated tactical action, the security forces overpowered the criminals, neutralising three of the suspected kidnappers.
During the operation, a kidnap victim identified as Mosudi Gbolagade, approximately 50 years old was rescued.
He had allegedly been abducted in Okaka and was being held in the Otu area. Gbolagade sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and was taken to a medical facility for treatment.
One of the local hunters was also injured in the exchange of fire and is currently receiving hospital care.
Security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle without ammunition, a single-barrel gun, and a machete from the scene.
The State Commissioner of Police commended the bravery of the local hunters and all security stakeholders involved in the rescue.
The command also reaffirmed its dedication to sustained operations against criminal activity across the state, while calling on residents to stay alert and share useful information with security agencies.
