The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper at the point of collecting a N10m ransom for an abducted victim in Atiba Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect was apprehended during a coordinated overnight operation in Otefon forest, where members of a kidnapping gang had assembled to receive payment from the victim’s family.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the development on Thursday, saying the operation was triggered by credible intelligence provided by the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in the state.
According to him, the victim, identified as Alhaji Bagudu, was abducted on May 9, 2026, when about six armed men invaded his residence in Ilowa Village and whisked him away into the forest.
He said the kidnappers subsequently demanded N10m ransom for his release, prompting security operatives to launch a rescue mission.
Ayanlade disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, upon receiving intelligence that the gang had converged in the forest, immediately deployed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in collaboration with local vigilantes to the area.
He noted that the operatives adopted a tactical approach, ensuring the victim’s safety before engaging the suspects.
“Upon confirmation that the victim had regained his freedom unharmed, operatives advanced towards the location where the suspected kidnappers had assembled to receive the ransom,” he said.
The police spokesman added that the suspects opened fire on sighting the operatives, leading to a gun duel.
During the exchange, one of the suspects, identified as Mohammed Sanni, was arrested, while others fled into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene included a motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, a mobile phone, a pair of slippers and a cap, all of which are undergoing forensic examination.
Ayanlade said the suspect in custody had made useful confessional statements, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that such cooperation remains vital in tackling criminal activities across the state.
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