Oyo Police Command K!lls Three Suspected K!dnappers, R£scues V!ctim

The command explained that a combined response team comprising police operatives, local hunters and other security agencies was immediately deployed to the area following the distress alert.

Three suspected kidnappers have been killed during a joint security operation in Oyo State, while an abducted victim was rescued alive following a gun battle between security operatives and the suspected criminals in the Otu area of the state.

The operation, carried out by operatives of the Oyo State Police Command in collaboration with local hunters and other security agencies, was described by authorities as part of ongoing efforts to tackle violent crimes and criminal activities across the state.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, the operation was launched after security operatives received intelligence from local hunters who reportedly came under attack while on a hunting expedition in Otu, located within the Oke-Ogun axis of the state.

The statement said, “The operation was initiated following a distress call received on 25th May 2026 from local hunters who had gone on a hunting expedition in Otu and came under gunfire attack by suspected kidnappers.”

Police authorities noted that no casualty was recorded among the hunters during the initial attack.

The command explained that a combined response team comprising police operatives, local hunters and other security agencies was immediately deployed to the area following the distress alert.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence received, a response team comprising police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies was immediately mobilized to the scene at Otu,” the statement added.

On reaching the scene, the suspected kidnappers reportedly opened fire on the security team, leading to a gun duel.

Upon arrival, the hoodlums opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel. However, through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralization of three suspected kidnappers,” the police stated.

The operation also led to the rescue of a kidnapped victim identified as Mr. Mosudi Gbolagade, said to be about 50 years old.

Police disclosed that the victim had earlier been abducted at Okaka and was being held captive within the Otu area before his rescue during the operation.

“Consequently, the operation also resulted in the successful rescue of an abducted victim, identified as Mr. Mosudi Gbolagade, male, aged about 50 years, who had earlier been kidnapped at Okaka and held captive within the Otu area,” the statement read.

Although the rescued victim reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange, police said he had been evacuated to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.

Security operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle without ammunition, one single-barrel gun and a machete from the scene of the encounter.

The command, however, disclosed that one of the local hunters involved in the operation sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Commending the collaboration among security stakeholders, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State praised the “bravery and synergy” displayed by the local hunters and other security agencies during the operation.

The police command reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements and urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.