Oyo Kidnap Crisis: Police Confirm Eight Arrests, Intensify Rescue Operations Ahead of Sallah
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that eight suspects are currently in custody in connection with the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the remaining victims.
Speaking on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that security operations are ongoing round the clock, stressing that authorities are deliberately withholding sensitive details to avoid jeopardising the rescue mission.
According to him, revealing too much information about ongoing tactical operations could compromise efforts being made by security agencies to secure the safe release of the abducted victims.
“Operations are ongoing 24 hours daily, but disclosing too much information at this stage may affect the rescue mission,” the police spokesperson said.
DSP Ayanlade also revealed that investigators are carrying out forensic analysis to determine the source of a viral video allegedly released by the kidnappers and how it found its way onto the internet.
“The source of the video made by the kidnappers and how it got to the internet is currently undergoing forensic analysis,” he stated.
The Command further assured residents that adequate security measures have been put in place ahead of the Sallah celebrations, with operatives strategically deployed across the state to maintain law and order.
“We have deployed operatives for the Sallah festivities, and all areas are being closely monitored,” he added.
Reaffirming the resolve of security agencies to combat criminality, DSP Ayanlade declared that the police would not surrender to threats or intimidation by criminal elements.
“The police will not bow to terror,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Command is leveraging technology and intelligence-driven strategies in its operations, although certain details cannot be made public for security and investigative reasons.
“We are leveraging technology in our operations, but I cannot reveal much for security and investigation purposes,” he noted.
The latest development comes amid heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State following recent abductions and attacks linked to armed criminal groups operating within forested areas of the state.