Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have arrested a suspected kidnapper and rescued an abducted victim in a joint operation that foiled the collection of a ₦10 million ransom in Otefon Village Forest, located in the Atiba Local Government Area of the state. The operation, carried out by the Anti‑Kidnapping Squad (AKS) in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) on the night of Wednesday, May 13, 2026, followed a coordinated tactical approach that prioritised the victim’s safe release before engaging the criminal gang in a fierce gun duel.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the breakthrough began around 1:00 a.m. when credible intelligence was received from VGN operatives indicating that a gang of suspected kidnappers had assembled in the forest to collect a ransom from relatives of a kidnapped victim. The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, immediately directed operatives of the Anti‑Kidnapping Squad on the Oyo/Iseyin axis, alongside VGN members, to move into the area to rescue the victim and apprehend the criminals.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang, consisting of about six armed men, had invaded the residence of one Alhaji Bagudu on May 9, 2026, abducted him, and taken him deep into the Otefon Forest, where they demanded a ransom of ₦10 million for his release. The security operatives strategically prioritised the safe release of the victim before making any tactical moves against the kidnappers.
After confirming that the victim had regained his freedom unharmed, the security team advanced towards the location where the suspects had gathered to collect the ransom. However, on sighting the advancing security team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a gun duel in the forest. In the ensuing exchange, the suspects fled into the adjoining forest with varying degrees of suspected gunshot injuries, while one suspect, identified as Mohammed Sanni, was apprehended.
Items recovered from the scene include a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, a small mobile phone, a pair of slippers, and a cap – all of which are currently undergoing forensic examination. The motorcycle was reportedly used for the gang’s logistics and operations.
The arrested suspect, Mohammed Sanni, is currently in custody and has made useful confessional statements regarding his role and involvement within the criminal syndicate. The Oyo State Police Command has stated that concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and bring them to justice.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives and their collaborators from the Vigilante Group for the successful operation and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustained action against kidnapping and violent crimes across the state. The Command also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations and improve public safety.
This successful operation underscores the growing collaboration between the police and community‑based security networks, which has proven effective in disrupting criminal networks. The victim, Alhaji Bagudu, has since been reunited with his family, while the manhunt for the remaining gang members continues. The case serves as a stark reminder that while kidnappers may lurk in the shadows of forests, they are never beyond the reach of a determined security force.
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