Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
IBADAN, Nigeria — In a swift and intelligence-led operation aimed at combating kidnapping and violent crime, the Oyo State Police Command successfully rescued two abducted minors and arrested four suspects linked to the attempted kidnapping, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The coordinated action underscores ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Police Force to curb rising security threats in communities across the state.
According to a statement released by the command’s spokesman, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident occurred on Friday, January 9, at approximately 9 a.m. when two boys — 15-year-old Hadu Abubakar and 14-year-old Sadari Abubakar — were reported missing by their family in Akinsapon Village, near Ayétòrò-Ìlè in the Iwéré-Ìlè axis of Oyo State. The victims were allegedly abducted by unknown gunmen while in the community.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer of the Iwéré-Ìlè Division immediately mobilised a joint security team comprising police operatives and other security partners. The rapid response was guided by credible intelligence and focused on both the safe recovery of the victims and the apprehension of the suspects involved.
The operation culminated in the safe rescue of the two minors, who were reunited with their relieved family members. Police also arrested four suspects believed to be connected to the abduction attempt, preventing further harm to the boys and restoring confidence among residents of the affected community.
The four individuals taken into custody are identified as Abubakar Abubakar, aged 25, from Akinsapon Village; Usman Mohammed, 23, from Lafayin in Niger State; Sanda Legi, 21, from Kwara State; and Dore Hado, 22. During the arrest, two of the suspects sustained injuries and were transferred to a medical facility under close security monitoring, while the other two remain in police custody.
Items recovered from the suspects include two cutlasses, one sander stick, and the sum of ₦15,700, according to the police statement. Authorities also revealed that the suspects have made confessional statements and are cooperating with ongoing investigations.
Commissioner of Police Femi Haruna, who leads the Oyo State Command, has ordered that the suspects be transferred to the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad for a comprehensive and discreet investigation. The move seeks to unravel the full scope of any criminal network behind the abduction attempt and ensure that all responsible parties are brought to justice.
The rescue operation and arrests come amid heightened concerns about security in parts of southwestern Nigeria, where reports of kidnapping and violent crimes have caused anxiety among residents and prompted calls for stronger law enforcement responses. While the Oyo rescue is a positive development, security experts note that sustained community engagement and inter-agency cooperation are crucial to tackling the broader issue effectively.
In a separate but related effort to combat violent crime, the Oyo State Police Command also announced the arrest of seven suspects in connection with a murder case in the Atisbo Local Government Area. Preliminary investigations indicate that the killing stemmed from a dispute over cattle rearing in the Budo Fatti area of Ofiki Village. Police said that the incident escalated into a physical altercation during which the victim, identified as 20-year-old Seidu Amisu, sustained fatal injuries after being beaten. Following the murder, the suspects allegedly conspired to bury the body secretly in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Acting on credible intelligence, detectives from the Ago-Are Division carried out an investigation that led to the arrests of all seven suspects. They are currently in custody, have confessed to their roles in the crime, and are assisting with the ongoing inquiry. The police have indicated that this case will also undergo thorough examination to determine the appropriate charges and legal processes to pursue.
Officials have reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance stance on violent crimes, emphasising that no criminal act — whether kidnapping, murder or related offences — will be allowed to thrive. The Commissioner reiterated the importance of proactive policing, intelligence-driven operations, and community cooperation in ensuring the safety and security of residents across Oyo State.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the police successes, describing the rescue and arrests as a boost to public confidence. Community representatives stressed the importance of continued vigilance, urging citizens to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies promptly. Many also called for enhanced investment in security infrastructure and support for policing initiatives that leverage technology and grassroots information sharing.
The Nigeria Police Force has, in recent years, stepped up efforts to address kidnapping and other violent crimes nationwide through strategic collaborations with federal and state agencies, as well as with local vigilante groups and civil society organisations. These partnerships aim to strengthen early warning systems, reduce response times to security incidents, and improve overall crime prevention measures.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where limited resources can hamper rapid responses. Analysts suggest that expanding community policing frameworks and enhancing training for security personnel could further improve outcomes in similar operations.
For now, the successful rescue of the abducted minors and the arrest of suspects in Oyo State signal a noteworthy achievement for law enforcement and offer a measure of reassurance to families across the region concerned about child safety and protection.
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