By The Oyo State Police Command has secured the release of a 42-year-old farmer, Alhaji Quadri Oloriegbẹ, from Olopoto Village in Irawo, Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, May 7, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that a gang of five armed men invaded the community on April 29, 2026. The assailants were reportedly shooting sporadically to create panic before abducting Mr. Oloriegbe to an unknown destination.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough recorded in connection with the abduction of one Alhaji Quadri Oloriegbẹ ‘M’, aged 42 years, a farmer from Olopoto Village via Abugbudu, Irawọ Area of Oyo State.
“The unfortunate incident occurred on 29th April, 2026 when a gang of five armed men, armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, invaded the community and began shooting sporadically into the air to create panic and disperse residents before forcefully whisking the victim away to an unknown destination,” the statement read.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji, immediately ordered a rescue mission. The operation involved Police Tactical Teams, Agbẹkọya operatives, Amotekun Corps, vigilante groups, and local hunters.
Mr. Ayanlade noted that the combined pressure from the joint security efforts led to the arrest of one suspect, Umaru Bokolo, who was linked to the crime through credible intelligence and community identification. His arrest provided useful leads that strengthened ongoing investigations.
The Command revealed that the victim eventually regained his freedom on May 5, 2026, following sustained rescue efforts. Further operations led to the arrest of three additional suspects identified as Zada Abubakar (20), Husein Rabiu (25), and Abubakar Mohammed (30), all linked to the abduction.
“The suspects are currently undergoing further investigation and will subsequently be transferred to the appropriate Anti-Kidnapping Squad for discreet investigation and possible prosecution alongside the earlier arrested suspect,” he added.
The Commissioner of Police commended the synergy among security agencies involved in the operation, while assuring residents of its commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The command urge the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid policing efforts across the state.
