In a major breakthrough for public safety, a combined team of security forces in Oyo State has successfully rescued two children from a kidnappers' hideout. The intelligence-led operation also resulted in the arrest of four suspects, including two who sustained gunshot injuries during a fierce firefight with operatives.

The breakthrough was confirmed on Monday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.

The Raid and the Forest Gun Battle

The crisis began when heavily armed men invaded Ebinpejo Village, located via Lanlate in the Ibarapa East Local Government Area. The attackers ransacked homes, assaulted locals, and fled into the bush with two children.

Upon receiving the distress call, Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered an immediate, coordinated offensive. A joint tactical team composed of the following forces swung into action:

  • Nigeria Police Force Operatives

  • Amotekun Corps

  • Local Vigilantes

  • Local Hunters

Using advanced technical support and local intelligence, the team tracked the criminal syndicate deep into a nearby forest. On sighting the advancing security forces, the kidnappers opened fire, triggering a heavy gun battle. Security forces eventually overpowered the gang, forcing several members to scatter further into the wilderness.

Meet the Suspects Handcuffed by Police

Four key players in the network have been taken into custody. They are currently assisting investigators in tracking down the remaining members of the syndicate:

Suspect Age Role / Capture Details
Umaru Usman 25 Arrested on the scene with gunshot wounds; three mobile phones were recovered from him.
Abdullahi Ahmed 28 Apprehended during a follow-up operation on Saturday morning with injuries from the gun duel.
Sunday Idowu 30 Identified by police as a local collaborator who provided logistical support to the gang.
Muhammed Ibrahim Shina 29 Travelled all the way from Ilorin, Kwara State, specifically to participate in the abduction.

The Victims' Status: The two rescued children were taken immediately to a medical facility for evaluation. One child received treatment for minor injuries sustained during captivity. Both have now been safely reunited with their families.

Governor Makinde Imposes Curfew to Tackle Broader Insecurity

While celebrating this rescue, the Oyo State Government is simultaneously dealing with another high-profile security challenge—the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area.

To boost ongoing rescue missions around the Old Oyo National Park, Governor Seyi Makinde has announced a temporary 16-hour curfew across 10 bordering Local Government Areas.

Governor Makinde reassured citizens that despite these friction points, schools are being fortified ahead of resumption. Additionally, the state's security infrastructure is getting a massive upgrade: the delivery of the government's highly anticipated surveillance aircraft has entered its final testing phase after minor regulatory delays, and will soon deploy for active aerial policing.