Police kill three suspected kidnappers, rescue abducted victim in Oyo

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Oyo State Police Command has announced that three suspected kidnappers were neutralised and an abducted man rescued during a coordinated security operation at Otu in the Oke-Ogun axis.

A statement obtained from Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday said the operation followed a distress call on 25 May 2026 from local hunters who were attacked by gunmen while on a hunting expedition in the Otu area.

No hunters were killed in the initial attack, but one sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment in the hospital.

Responding teams composed of police operatives, local hunters and other security agencies moved quickly to the scene.

According to the statement, the hoodlums opened fire on arriving security personnel, prompting a gun duel.

Through a coordinated tactical response, officers and their collaborators overpowered the suspects, resulting in the death of three alleged kidnappers.

The operation also led to the rescue of a kidnapped victim identified as Mosudi Gbolagade, about 50 years old, who had earlier been taken at Okaka and held in the Otu vicinity.

Gbolagade sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation and was evacuated for urgent medical attention; he is currently receiving treatment.

“Security forces recovered one AK-47 rifle (without ammunition), a single-barrel gun and a machete at the scene,” the command said.

Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, commended the bravery and synergy of the local hunters and other security stakeholders whose timely intervention aided the operation’s success.

The command reiterated its commitment to sustained operations against violent criminal elements and urged residents to remain vigilant and to provide credible, timely information to security agencies.