Oyo Police Rescue 15-Year-Old Kidnapping Victim, Neutralise Suspected Kidnapper
The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old kidnapping victim and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a coordinated security operation along the Awe–Iwo Road axis of the state.
The operation, according to a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, followed intelligence received by the Command on October 22, indicating that suspected kidnappers were demanding ransom for the release of a victim abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area on October 18.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section, in collaboration with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to move against the suspects and secure the victim’s release.
Acting on the directive, the operatives mobilised to the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road, where they advanced on the suspects’ location.
At about 9:30 p.m., the operation resulted in a gun duel after the suspected kidnappers allegedly opened fire on sighting the advancing security team. Despite the attack, the operatives rescued the victim, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, a 15-year-old male, while one unidentified suspected kidnapper was neutralised.
Other members of the gang reportedly fled in different directions, with some believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.
The police said the neutralised suspect was taken to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead. His remains were subsequently deposited in a morgue.
Items recovered during the operation included an Android mobile phone and a cutlass, which the Command said would form part of the ongoing investigation.
The Command has urged residents, particularly those living around the Awe–Iwo Road axis and neighbouring communities, to remain vigilant and promptly report anyone suspected of having gunshot wounds to the police.
It also appealed to medical practitioners, hospital administrators and other healthcare workers to notify the police of anyone seeking treatment for gunshot injuries suspected to be connected with the incident.
According to the Command, reports can be made at the nearest police station or through its established communication channels, noting that credible information would assist efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, CP Olugbenga assured residents that the police would sustain intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with relevant security stakeholders to dismantle criminal networks and combat kidnapping across the state.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remained essential to achieving lasting security.
For emergencies, members of the public can contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line on 615, or the Oyo State Police Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.
Signed:
DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, MNISMA, ANIPR
Police Public Relations Officer
Oyo State Police Command
October 25, 2026.