The Oyo State Police Command has announced what it described as a “significant operational breakthrough” in its ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria, following a kidnapping incident in the state.
The development came after suspected kidnappers struck at Gaa Alhaji, Gbonkan, via Ipapo, in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Oyo police announce breakthrough in kidnap case
According to reports, the attack took place at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, when heavily armed men believed to be kidnappers stormed the camp of Alhaji Gbonkan at Gaa Alhaji, Gbonkan, via Ipapo.
The gunmen allegedly fired several shots into the air to create panic before forcefully taking away three adult men identified as Alhaji Usman Abubakar, Aliu Usman, and Saliu Abubakar.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, titled ‘Oyo State Police Command Rescues Two Kidnap Victims, Neutralises One Suspected Abductor in Gbonkan’, the command outlined how the rescue operation unfolded.
The statement read: “Upon receipt of the distress report, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ipapo Division, to coordinate a robust joint security operation involving operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), and local hunters.
“The operation was specifically aimed at rescuing the abducted victims, apprehending the perpetrators, and restoring normalcy to the affected community.”
Ayanlade explained that the joint security team acted without delay after receiving directives from the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga. The operatives quickly moved to the location and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission.
The police said: “The crime scene was professionally processed through a forensic sweep, during which relevant evidence and exhibits were identified, documented, and secured for investigative purposes.
“Leveraging available technology, actionable intelligence, and evidence recovered from the scene, the joint security team strategically combed the surrounding forests and adjoining communities in a sustained pursuit of the fleeing suspects.”
The search operation eventually traced the suspects to their hideout located deep inside the forest.
The statement continued: “Upon sighting the advancing security team, the hoodlums opened fire in a desperate attempt to evade arrest, resulting in a fierce gun duel.
“In the ensuing exchange, one of the suspected abductors was neutralised, while other members of the gang fled into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds. “One operative of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) sustained injuries during the encounter and is currently responding to medical treatment.”
Two kidnapped victims rescued in Oyo
Security sources disclosed that the continuous offensive mounted by the joint security team produced encouraging results, leading to the successful rescue of two of the abducted victims.
The police stated: “One of the rescued victims sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot injury and was promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment, while the second victim also received medical attention following the traumatic ordeal.
“The third victim, who became separated from the others after reportedly running in a different direction during the exchange of gunfire, is believed to be safe. Intensive search efforts are ongoing to locate and reunite him with his family.”
View the full post here.
