The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 60-year-old man, Isiaku Saidu, who was abducted by armed kidnappers in Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the operation also led to the arrest of members of a kidnapping syndicate in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
According to the police, the breakthroughs followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, instructing officers to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state.
Ayanlade said that on January 11, 2026, about five armed men, wielding guns and cutlasses, stormed Budo community via Bassi Camp in Iseyin and kidnapped Saidu. Upon receiving the report, the commissioner ordered an immediate rescue operation and the arrest of those responsible.
Acting on the directive, the Divisional Police Officer in Ago-Are, alongside other security agencies, launched aggressive patrols and bush-combing operations. The team eventually traced the kidnappers’ hideout, where the suspects reportedly opened fire on sighting the operatives.
A gun battle ensued, resulting in the neutralisation of one suspect, while another was arrested and is currently assisting investigators. Other members of the gang escaped with gunshot injuries.
The police urged residents to report anyone seen with bullet wounds to the nearest police station.
In a related development, the command also rescued another kidnap victim, Hussinat Abubakar, who was abducted at Gelede Camp, Komu, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
Ayanlade said the Divisional Police Officer in Komu, working with partner agencies, carried out extensive bush-combing operations that led to the victim’s rescue without any ransom being paid. Three suspects — Kari Ibrahim (22), Dure Jimoh (25), and Abubakar Sidi (55) — were arrested in connection with the crime.
The suspects reportedly confessed to their roles in the abduction, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate. Six expended cartridges were also recovered from the scene.
The rescued victim is currently receiving medical care, and the suspects will be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
The police said the operations underscore the command’s commitment to prompt rescue of victims and its resolve to discourage ransom payments that fuel criminal activities.
