A suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate has been arrested by operatives of the Oyo State Police Command during an attempted N10 million ransom collection in Otefon village, Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State, following a coordinated security operation that led to the safe rescue of a kidnapped victim.
The suspect was apprehended after security operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the forest area where the ransom exchange was scheduled to take place. According to the police, the victim, identified as Alhaji Bagudu, had been abducted from his residence in Ilowa village on May 9, 2026, before being taken into the Otefon forest by a gang of armed kidnappers who later demanded N10 million for his release.
The spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the breakthrough came after operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria provided intelligence indicating that members of the gang had assembled in the forest to receive the ransom payment. Following the tip-off, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, immediately deployed the Anti-Kidnapping Squad operating within the Oyo/Iseyin axis in collaboration with local vigilantes to rescue the victim and arrest the culprits. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Police authorities explained that the operation was carefully planned to prioritize the safety of the kidnapped victim before launching an offensive against the criminals. After confirming that the victim had regained freedom unharmed, security agents advanced toward the location where the suspects were gathered. A gun battle reportedly ensued as the kidnappers attempted to escape into the adjoining forest. While several gang members fled with varying degrees of injuries, one suspect identified as Mohammed Sanni was captured at the scene.
Investigators also recovered a Hajoue motorcycle bearing registration number TUT 824 TY, which authorities believe was used by the gang for logistics and operational activities during the kidnapping mission. Police said the arrested suspect has already made useful confessional statements that are helping ongoing investigations into the criminal network and the identities of other gang members still at large.
The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling kidnapping and violent crimes across the state, assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the entire syndicate. Authorities also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of preventing criminal activities and improving public safety across communities in the state.
