The Oyo State Police Command announced the rescue of two abducted children and the arrest of four suspected kidnappers on Monday afternoon, June 29, 2026. The operation, which involved a collaborative effort among security agencies and local vigilante groups, successfully traced the kidnappers' hideout in a forested area of Ibarapa East Local Government Area (LGA).
Rescue Operation Details
According to Olayinka Ayanlade, the police spokesperson in Oyo, the abductees were kidnapped on Friday, June 27, 2026, in Ebinpejo village, via Lanlate in Ibarapa East LGA. The police leveraged credible intelligence and the cooperation of multiple security agencies to locate the hideout deep within the forest. During an exchange of gunfire, the captors fled, and at least one suspect, 25-year-old Umaru Usman, sustained gunshot wounds and was arrested.
Follow-up operations led to the arrest of three more suspects. The police statement read: "The two abducted children were rescued safely and promptly taken for medical attention. One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but received treatment before both children were successfully reunited with their family."
Collaboration and Acknowledgments
The Oyo State Police Command acknowledged the invaluable support of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters, and members of the public whose cooperation significantly contributed to the operation's success. The statement also expressed profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his exemplary leadership and strategic guidance, which have strengthened policing operations across the country.
The photo of the four arrested suspects was released by the police via their official social media channels. The operation highlights the effectiveness of community policing and inter-agency collaboration in tackling kidnapping in the region.
