Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Osun State Police Command has rescued a 50-year-old herder, Haruna Yusuf, who was abducted by suspected kidnappers, recovering N2,217,800 in ransom money and arresting a suspect following a fierce gun battle with the abductors. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, detailing a series of successful operations against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes in the state. The police chief, who was represented by the Command's spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the victim, a Fulani herdsman residing in a remote settlement near Wasinmi Village along the Gbongan–Ife–Ibadan Road, was rescued unhurt in an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit's Anti-Kidnapping Section.
According to the police commissioner, the Command received a report on July 9, 2026, that Yusuf had been abducted by four suspected kidnappers. Police operatives, working in collaboration with local vigilantes, immediately launched a search operation before the case was transferred to the VCRU for tactical investigation. On July 12, 2026, the operatives conducted an intelligence-driven, coordinated operation while closely monitoring the ransom payment process to a designated drop-off point at the Majeroku Area along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway. The team successfully rescued the victim unhurt, but the kidnappers, on sighting the operatives, opened fire, prompting a gun duel. During the exchange, one of the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries and was arrested, while others fled into the surrounding bush, Gotan said. The injured suspect, identified as Usman Aliyu, 40, was taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital for medical treatment and is currently responding to treatment. A total sum of N2,217,800, suspected to be proceeds of the ransom paid, was recovered at the scene, according to the Commissioner. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping gang who have been terrorising the environment, he added.
In a related development, the police commissioner announced the arrest of three suspected cultists and ritualists in the Iree area of the state following intelligence reports that criminal gangs had been terrorising residents. The suspects were identified as Michael Oluwatobi, 23; Busayo Joseph, 22; and Abu Azeez, 23. According to Gotan, a small coffin and local charms were recovered from them. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are members of a cult group and are also being investigated for alleged involvement in ritual-related activities, he said. The Commissioner said he had directed a thorough investigation to determine the extent of the suspects' involvement and identify other members of the criminal network.
The police commissioner further disclosed that the Command had arrested another suspected kidnapper, Buhari Mutari, in the Seyi area of Oyo State over an attempted abduction at Ijebu-Jesa on May 7, 2026. He said the arrest followed the earlier apprehension of the principal suspect, Umaru Adamu, who was arrested during the failed kidnapping operation and paraded on May 19. Gotan also said eight other suspects were arrested during raids of criminal hideouts across the state for offences including stealing, unlawful possession of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and hooliganism. He said all suspects would be charged in court after investigations.
Reaffirming the Command's commitment to tackling violent crime, the police commissioner said, "The Command wishes to reassure residents of Osun State that it remains resolute in its determination to combat cultism, ritual killings, kidnapping, armed robbery and all forms of violent crimes. Individuals or groups who engage in criminal activities will be pursued and made to face the full wrath of the law." The rescue of the herder and the recovery of the ransom money represent significant breakthroughs in the Command's ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes in Osun State. The successful operations, which involved intelligence gathering, community collaboration, and tactical precision, have dealt a major blow to criminal networks operating in the state.
The abduction of Haruna Yusuf is part of a troubling pattern of kidnappings targeting herders and farmers in the region, with criminals often demanding huge ransoms. In a similar incident in May 2026, gunmen abducted a Fulani herdsman, Yahaya Sulaiman, in the Ijebu-Jesa area of the state and demanded N70 million for his release. The victim was later released after an undisclosed ransom was paid. The latest operation demonstrates the police command's growing capacity to respond to kidnapping incidents and recover ransom proceeds, sending a strong warning to criminal elements that Osun State is not a safe haven for their activities.
The arrest of the three suspected cultists and ritualists in Iree also underscores the command's commitment to tackling the menace of cultism and ritual killings, which have become a source of concern in some communities. The recovery of a small coffin and local charms from the suspects has raised fears about the possible involvement of the suspects in ritual-related activities, prompting the Commissioner to order a thorough investigation. The police command has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, assuring them that all information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
As the Command continues its crackdown on criminal elements, the people of Osun State can expect more intelligence-led operations aimed at ensuring their safety and security. The successful rescue of Haruna Yusuf and the recovery of N2.2 million in ransom proceeds serve as a testament to the effectiveness of community policing and inter-agency collaboration in the fight against crime. The police have reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property and have called on residents to continue supporting the command with timely and credible information.
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