IBADAN, Nigeria — A joint security team rescued two kidnap victims and neutralised one suspected abductor following a coordinated operation in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Oyo State Police Command disclosed the details of the operation on July 2, 2026. Okay News reports that Oyo State Police Command mobilized a search-and-rescue team comprising officers of the Nigeria Police Force, operatives of the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and local hunters.
The victims were originally abducted on Monday, June 29, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m. WAT when armed men entered Alhaji Gbonkan’s camp at Gaa Alhaji, firing weapons before taking Alhaji Usman Abubakar, Aliu Usman, and Saliu Abubakar. Nigeria’s Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, directed the Divisional Police Officer in Ipapo to lead the joint operation.
Security operatives tracked the suspects to a hideout inside the forest, resulting in a gun battle. One suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while other gang members escaped with gunshot wounds. One member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria sustained injuries during the encounter and received medical treatment.
Two of the abducted victims were rescued during the operation, with one receiving treatment for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The third victim became separated from the others during the gun battle but is believed to be safe as search efforts continue.
Abimbola Olugbenga reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo State Police Command to tackling violent crime.
“Our resolve to protect the lives and property of the people of Oyo State remains unwavering. This operation demonstrates our determination to dismantle criminal networks and ensure that those responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice,” he said.
“We will sustain the operation until the remaining victim is safely reunited with his family and every member of the criminal gang responsible for this attack is apprehended,” he added.
