The rescued victims, identified as Hadu Abubakar, 15, and Sadari Abubakar, 14, both from Akinsapon Village near Ayétòrò-Ìlè, were kidnapped on Friday, January 9, 2026, according a statement on Sunday by the command's spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
The Oyo State Police Command has announced the rescue of two minors abducted by gunmen in Iwéré-Ìlè area of the state and arrested four suspects in a swift, intelligence-led operation.
The rescued victims, identified as Hadu Abubakar, 15, and Sadari Abubakar, 14, both from Akinsapon Village near Ayétòrò-Ìlè, were kidnapped on Friday, January 9, 2026, according a statement on Sunday by the command's spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
The abduction was reported at about 9:00 a.m. to the Iwéré-Ìlè Divisional Police Headquarters, Olayinka explained, adding that the command responded immediately after receiving the distress report.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Iwéré-Ìlè Division, promptly mobilised a joint security team comprising police operatives and other security partners,” Olayinka said.
He explained that the coordinated operation led to the safe rescue of the two minors and the arrest of four suspects, preventing further harm to the victims.
“This intelligence-driven operation culminated in the successful rescue of the two kidnapped minors, who were safely reunited with their family, and the arrest of four suspects,” the police spokesman stated.
The suspects arrested in connection with the kidnapping were identified as Abubakar Abubakar, 25, of Akinsapon Village; Usman Mohammed, 23, from Lafayin, Bida in Niger State; Sanda Legi, 21, from Kwara State; and Dore Hado, 22.
The police disclosed that two of the suspects sustained injuries during the operation and are currently receiving medical treatment under tight security, while the remaining two are in police custody.
Items recovered from the suspects include “two cutlasses, one sander stick, and the sum of ₦15,700,” according to the statement.
DSP Olayinka added that the suspects have made confessional statements and are cooperating with investigators.
“The suspects have confessed to the crime and are cooperating with the investigation,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, commended the officers involved in the operation and ordered that the suspects be transferred to the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad for further investigation.
“In order to ensure a thorough unraveling of the network behind the crime, the Commissioner of Police has directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad for discreet and comprehensive investigation,” the police spokesperson noted.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to public safety, CP Haruna warned that criminal activities would not be tolerated in any part of the state.
“No criminal act will be allowed to thrive in any part of Oyo State,” he said, adding that individuals or groups who attempt to undermine public peace “will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.”
The police urged residents to remain calm and continue to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to effective policing.
All the suspects, the police said, will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations, in line with due process and the rule of law.