By Three suspected kidnappers have been killed during a joint security operation in Otu, Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State, while an abducted victim was rescued by operatives of the Oyo State Police Command in collaboration with local hunters and other security agencies.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the operation followed a distress call from hunters who reportedly came under attack while on a hunting expedition in Otu on Monday, May 25, 2026.
The Command said no casualty was recorded among the hunters during the initial attack.
The statement noted that a joint response team comprising police operatives, local hunters and other security personnel was immediately deployed to the area after receiving the intelligence report.
“Upon arrival, the hoodlums opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel. However, through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralization of three suspected kidnappers,” the statement read.
The police further disclosed that the operation led to the rescue of an abducted victim identified as Mosudi Gbolagade, who was reportedly kidnapped at Okaka and held captive within the Otu area.
According to the Command, the abducted victim sustained gunshot injuries during the incident and was immediately evacuated for urgent medical treatment.
“Although the victim sustained gunshot injuries during the incident, he has been evacuated for urgent medical attention and is currently receiving treatment,” the statement added.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle without ammunition, one single-barrel gun and a machete.
The Command also confirmed that one of the local hunters involved in the operation sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire and is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State commended the bravery and cooperation of the local hunters and other security stakeholders whose intervention contributed to the success of the operation.
The police reiterated their commitment to sustaining operations against criminal elements across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
