The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children, arrested four suspected kidnappers, and recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms in two separate operations aimed at tackling violent crime across the state.
In a statement issued and shared on Monday via X handle Oyo State Police, the Command said the operations highlight its commitment to protecting lives and property while intensifying efforts against criminal activities.
According to the police, the first operation followed a distress report received on Friday, June 27, 2026, that armed hoodlums had invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly ransacked homes, assaulted residents, and abducted two children.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to deploy operatives in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters for an intensive bush-combing operation.
The joint security team, acting on credible intelligence and supported by technical resources, traced the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside a forest. The suspects reportedly opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun battle before the criminals were overpowered and forced to flee.
During the operation, a 25-year-old suspect identified as Umaru Usman was arrested after sustaining gunshot injuries while attempting to escape. Three mobile phones were also recovered at the scene.
In a follow-up operation carried out in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, was arrested with gunshot wounds believed to have been sustained during the exchange of fire. He was taken to hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, who was identified as a local collaborator allegedly responsible for providing logistical support to the kidnapping syndicate. Another suspect, Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, was also arrested after reportedly travelling from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.
The police said the four suspects are assisting investigators with information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the gang.
The abducted children were rescued safely and taken for medical attention. One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but was treated before both children were reunited with their family.
In a separate operation, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit recovered sophisticated weapons linked to an armed robbery syndicate during a raid on a hideout in the Ajah area of Lagos State.
The operation followed intelligence that a wanted armed robbery kingpin, believed to be in possession of an English-made pistol, was hiding in the area with members of his gang. However, the suspects escaped upon sighting the police.
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, one Magnum pump-action rifle, one English-made revolver pistol, and 36 live cartridges.
The Command said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.
Police authorities noted that the recovery of the sophisticated firearms demonstrates both the dangerous capabilities of the syndicate and the Command’s determination to rid Oyo State of violent criminals. Investigations into both cases are ongoing.