The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two children abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of the state and arrested four suspects linked to the crime.
The Command also announced the recovery of a cache of sophisticated firearms from an armed robbery syndicate in a separate intelligence-led operation, describing both successes as part of its sustained efforts to tackle violent crime across the state.
According to the Police, the children were abducted on Friday, June 27, 2026, when armed hoodlums invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate, where they allegedly ransacked houses, assaulted residents and whisked away the victims.
Following a distress report, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to immediately mobilise operatives in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters for a coordinated rescue operation.
The command said intelligence gathered through technical support enabled the joint security team to trace the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside a forest.
On sighting the operatives, the suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a gun duel. The security team returned fire, forcing the criminals to flee into the forest.
One of the suspects, identified as Umaru Usman, 25, sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and was arrested at the scene. Three mobile phones were recovered during the operation.
The police said a follow-up operation conducted in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, led to the arrest of another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, who was also found with gunshot wounds believed to have been sustained during the exchange of fire. He was taken to hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, alleged to be a local collaborator who provided logistical support to the kidnappers, while Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, was apprehended for allegedly travelling from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.
Police said the four suspects are assisting investigators with information aimed at identifying and arresting other members of the criminal syndicate.
The abducted children were rescued unharmed and taken for medical attention. One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but was treated before both children were reunited with their family.
In a separate operation, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit recovered a cache of firearms from the hideout of a wanted armed robbery kingpin in the Ajah area of Lagos State.
The operation, carried out on Friday, June 27, followed intelligence indicating that the suspect, believed to be in possession of an English-made pistol, was hiding with members of his gang.
Although the suspects escaped on sighting the police, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, one Magnum pump-action rifle, one English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges.
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing kingpin and other members of the syndicate.
The Command noted that the recovery of the weapons underscored the dangerous capability of the criminal network and reaffirmed its determination to dismantle organised criminal groups operating within and outside Oyo State.
It commended the support of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters and members of the public whose cooperation contributed to the successful operations.
