Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped victims and neutralised one suspected abductor following a fierce gun battle in the Gbonkan Forest, Oorelope Local Government Area, in an operation that also left a vigilante operative injured as security forces continue their search for a third victim and fleeing members of the kidnap gang.
The operation was triggered by the abduction of three men at Gaa Alhaji, Gbonkan, via Ipapo, on Monday, June 29, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., when armed men suspected to be kidnappers invaded the camp of Alhaji Gbonkan, firing sporadically before whisking away Alhaji Usman Abubakar, Aliu Usman, and Saliu Abubakar. Upon receipt of the distress report, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer of Ipapo Division to coordinate a robust joint rescue operation.
The joint security team, comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), and local hunters, swiftly mobilised to the scene and commenced a coordinated search-and-rescue operation. The crime scene was professionally processed through a forensic sweep, during which relevant evidence and exhibits were identified, documented, and secured for investigative purposes. Leveraging available technology, actionable intelligence, and evidence recovered from the scene, the joint security team strategically combed the surrounding forests and adjoining communities in a sustained pursuit of the fleeing suspects.
The intensive operation eventually led security operatives to the kidnappers' hideout deep within the forest. Upon sighting the advancing security team, the hoodlums opened fire in a desperate attempt to evade arrest, resulting in a fierce gun duel. In the ensuing exchange, one of the suspected abductors was neutralised, while other members of the gang fled into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds. One operative of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria sustained injuries during the encounter and is currently responding to medical treatment.
The sustained offensive mounted by the joint security team yielded positive results as two of the abducted victims were successfully rescued. One of the rescued victims sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot injury and was promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment, while the second victim also received medical attention following the traumatic ordeal. The third victim, who became separated from the others after reportedly running in a different direction during the exchange of gunfire, is believed to be safe. Intensive search efforts are ongoing to locate and reunite him with his family.
Security operatives have continued to exploit actionable intelligence and maintain pressure on the fleeing suspects with a view to ensuring their arrest and prosecution. The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command's commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and praised the collaboration among the police, Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and local hunters, describing it as instrumental to the success of the rescue operation. He assured residents that the operation would continue until the remaining victim is found and all members of the criminal gang are apprehended. The commissioner also appealed to residents of Ipapo, Gbonkan, and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information, urging them to promptly report anyone presenting with suspicious gunshot wounds or seeking medical treatment under questionable circumstances.
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