The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a 61-year-old woman, Mrs Modupe Oladele, who was abducted by armed kidnappers from her residence in Owo and recovered her stolen vehicle after a gun battle with the suspects.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the operation was carried out under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu.
Jimoh said the command received a distress call about the abduction of the victim at about 2:50 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
He said the caller reported that armed men broke into her residence and forcefully abducted her. The assailants also took her Toyota Matrix vehicle with registration number WWW-434-AG.
“At about 2:50 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, received a distress call reporting that a gang of armed men had forcefully broken into the residence of Mrs. Oladele and abducted her at gunpoint,” Jimoh said.
He added that the DPO immediately mobilised operatives, who launched a coordinated pursuit of the fleeing suspects and intercepted them around the outskirts and bush area of Ojana Phase 3.
The operatives exchanged gunfire with the assailants and rescued the victim while recovering the stolen vehicle. The suspected kidnappers escaped into the nearby bush, with some believed to have sustained gunshot injuries.
“Overwhelmed by the superior tactical response and firepower of the police, the operatives successfully rescued the victim and recovered the stolen vehicle. The suspects fled into the surrounding bush, with some believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire,” Jimoh stated.
The operatives also recovered exhibits from the scene, including two expended cartridges, a sandal believed to have been abandoned by one of the fleeing suspects and a torchlight.
The command has launched efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects, while the case has been transferred to the appropriate investigative unit for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their gallantry and swift response, assuring residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons and activities to the police.
