The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a member of a kidnapping gang while attempting to collect a N10 million ransom from the relatives of a victim in Otefon village, Atiba Local Government Area. The victim, identified as Alhaji Bagudu, was kidnapped from his residence in Ilowa village last week and taken to Otefon forest.
Police Operation Details
The state police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed in a statement on Thursday, May 14, 2026, that other suspects fled into the forest with injuries after a gun duel with the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria. One suspect, Mohammed Sanni, was arrested and has made useful confessions about his role in the criminal syndicate.
Police operatives recovered a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, believed to have been used for the gang's logistics. The operation began on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at about 0100hrs, following credible intelligence from the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
Commissioner's Directive
Upon receiving the intelligence, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, directed operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Oyo/Iseyin axis, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group, to move into the area to rescue the victim and apprehend the criminals.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang, consisting of about six armed men, invaded Alhaji Bagudu's home on May 9, 2026, abducted him, and took him to Otefon Forest. The abductors demanded N10 million for his release.
Coordinated Rescue
In a carefully coordinated joint operation, security operatives prioritized the safe release of the victim before making tactical moves. Upon confirmation that the victim was unharmed, operatives advanced to apprehend the hoodlums. Using robust intelligence and technological tools, they identified the exact location of the kidnappers and laid an ambush.
When the individual conveying the ransom arrived and the victim's release was confirmed, the security team approached. The suspects opened fire, leading to a gun duel. They fled into the forest with injuries, while Mohammed Sanni was apprehended.
Recovered Items
Items recovered include the motorcycle, one small mobile phone, a pair of slippers, and a cap, all undergoing forensic examination. The suspect is in custody and has made confessional statements. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing gang members.
The command urged the public to provide credible information to aid investigations or lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects by reporting to the nearest police station or security post.
