The Oyo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in the ongoing crackdown on violent crimes. The Command rescued two abducted children, arrested four suspected kidnappers, and recovered sophisticated firearms linked to an armed robbery syndicate.

The Command said the successes were achieved through intelligence operations and collaboration with local security stakeholders, including the Amotekun Corps, vigilante groups, and hunters.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement, indicated that the rescue operation followed a distress call received on Friday, June 27, reporting that armed hoodlums had invaded Ebinpejo Village, via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, where they attacked residents, ransacked homes and abducted two children.

The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to mobilise operatives to work with other security agencies and community-based security groups to launch an intensive search and rescue operation.

According to the PRPO, ating on credible intelligence and technical support, the joint security team reportedly traced the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside a forest.

“Upon sighting the advancing security team, the hoodlums opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. The operatives responded professionally, overpowering the criminals and forcing them to flee in different directions,” he said.

During the operation, one of the suspects, identified as Umaru Usman, sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and was arrested while three mobile phones were recovered from the scene.

Police further disclosed that a follow-up operation carried out in the early hours of Saturday led to the arrest of another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, who was also found with gunshot wounds allegedly sustained during the exchange of fire with security operatives.

Ahmed was immediately taken to hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, described as a local collaborator who allegedly provided logistical support to the kidnapping syndicate.

Another suspect, Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, was arrested after investigators discovered he had allegedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction operation.

The Command stated that all four suspects are assisting investigators with information aimed at tracking down other members of the criminal network.

Meanwhile, the two abducted children were rescued alive and taken for medical examination and treatment. One of the victims sustained injuries during captivity but was successfully treated before both children were reunited with their family.