By The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper during a joint operation targeting a ransom collection point at Otefon Village Forest in Oyo State.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), also led to the recovery of a motorcycle and other exhibits allegedly linked to the kidnapping gang.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, May 14, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the breakthrough followed credible intelligence received at about 1:00 a.m. that suspected kidnappers had gathered inside the forest to collect ransom from relatives of an abducted victim.
The police said operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad along the Oyo/Iseyin axis were directed to move into the area alongside local vigilantes.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim, identified simply as Alhaji Bagudu, was abducted on May 9 after about six armed men reportedly invaded his residence at Ilowa Village in Atiba Local Government Area and whisked him away into the Otefon Forest.
The abductors were said to have demanded a ransom of ₦10 million for his release.
The command explained that security operatives prioritised the victim’s safety before launching tactical moves against the suspects.
“Upon confirmation that the victim had regained his freedom unharmed, operatives advanced towards the scene to apprehend the hoodlums and prevent any further threat to life,” the statement noted.
The police added that operatives used intelligence gathering and technological tools to identify the exact location where the suspects assembled before laying ambush for them.
However, the suspects reportedly opened fire on sighting the advancing security team, leading to a gun duel.
“In the ensuing exchange, the suspects fled into the adjoining forest with varying degrees of suspected gunshot injuries while one suspect identified as Mohammed Sanni was apprehended,” the statement added.
Items recovered during the operation include a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, believed to have been used for the gang’s operations, a mobile phone, a pair of slippers and a cap.
The police said the recovered items are currently undergoing forensic examination.
According to the command, the arrested suspect has made “useful confessional statements” regarding his involvement in the syndicate, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
The command also appealed to residents to provide credible information that could aid ongoing investigations or lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.
Residents were further advised to report anyone seen with suspicious bullet wounds or injuries to the nearest police station.
