The Oyo State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing campaign against violent crime, rescuing two abducted children, arresting four suspected kidnappers, and recovering a cache of sophisticated firearms linked to an armed robbery syndicate.
The Command disclosed the developments in a statement, describing the operations as a demonstration of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Four Kidnap Suspects Arrested, Abducted Children Rescued
According to the police, armed hoodlums stormed Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area on Friday, June 27, 2026, where they attacked residents, ransacked homes, and abducted two children.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to mobilise police operatives in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters to launch an intensive search-and-rescue operation.
Acting on credible intelligence and deploying technical resources, the joint security team traced the kidnappers' hideout deep inside a forest. The suspects reportedly opened fire upon sighting the advancing security operatives, resulting in a gun battle.
The operatives overpowered the suspects, forcing them to flee in different directions.
During the operation, one suspect identified as Umaru Usman, 25, sustained gunshot injuries while attempting to escape and was arrested. Three mobile phones were recovered from the scene.
In a follow-up operation conducted in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, was apprehended 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 allegedly acted as a local collaborator by providing logistical support to the kidnapping syndicate. Another suspect, Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, was also arrested after investigators discovered he had travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.
Police said all four suspects are assisting investigators with useful information to facilitate the arrest of other fleeing members of the criminal gang.
The two abducted children were rescued safely and taken for medical attention. One of the victims sustained injuries during captivity but received treatment before both children were reunited with their family.
The Command said investigations are ongoing and assured that further updates would be provided.
Police Recover Sophisticated Firearms
In a separate operation, operatives attached to the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit recovered sophisticated firearms believed to belong to an armed robbery syndicate.
The operation followed an earlier arrest of four robbery suspects and the recovery of a locally made pistol announced by the Command on June 12, 2026.
Acting on fresh intelligence, police operatives stormed a hideout in the Ajah area of Lagos State at about 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27, in search of a wanted armed robbery kingpin reportedly in possession of an English-made pistol.
Although the suspects escaped before they could be arrested, a thorough 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 Police Command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing kingpin and other members of the criminal syndicate.
According to the Command, the recovery of the sophisticated weapons highlights the dangerous capability of the criminal network while reaffirming the police's resolve to dismantle organised criminal groups and strengthen security across Oyo State.
