Acting on this directive, the Divisional Police Officer in Ago-Are, in collaboration with other security agencies, launched aggressive patrols and extensive bush-combing operations in the area.
The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 60-year-old man, Isiaku Saidu, who was kidnapped by armed men in Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government Area of the state, while four suspected members of kidnapping syndicates have been arrested in separate operations across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday in Ibadan.
Ayanlade explained that the successes recorded by the command followed a clear directive by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, that no stone should be left unturned in ensuring the safety of lives and property across Oyo State.
According to him, the command recorded several operational breakthroughs in the past week, including the foiling of kidnapping attempts, the rescue of abducted victims, and the arrest of suspects linked to violent crimes.
He said the first incident occurred on January 11, 2026, when armed hoodlums invaded Budo community in Iseyin through the Bassi Camp axis.
“Oyo Police foiled a kidnapping operation in Budo, Iseyin, on January 11, 2026. Armed hoodlums, numbering about five and armed with guns and cutlasses, invaded Budo via Bassi Camp in Iseyin and abducted Isiaku Saidu, male, 60 years."
Ayanlade said that upon receiving information about the abduction, the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered an all-out operation to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible for the crime.
Acting on this directive, the Divisional Police Officer in Ago-Are, in collaboration with other security agencies, launched aggressive patrols and extensive bush-combing operations in the area.
These efforts, he said, paid off when the security operatives discovered the hideout of the suspected kidnappers.
"Upon sighting the combined team, the suspects opened fire, engaging the operatives in a gun duel. This confrontation resulted in the neutralisation of one suspect, while another was arrested and is currently cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The remaining suspects fled the scene with bullet wounds,” Ayanlade said.
The police spokesperson urged members of the public to be vigilant and report anyone seen with gunshot wounds or bullet injuries in their communities to the nearest police station.
In a related development, the police also rescued another kidnapped victim, Hussinat Abubakar, at Gelede Camp, Komu, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state.
Ayanlade said the victim was rescued without the payment of any ransom, while three suspects believed to be members of a kidnapping syndicate were arrested during the operation.
“Following the disruption of the Budo kidnapping attempt, the command’s vigilance extended to Komu, where Hussinat Abubakar, female, had been abducted at Gelede Camp,” he said.
He added that the Divisional Police Officer in Komu, working alongside partner security agencies, embarked on rigorous bush-combing operations in the area, leading to the successful rescue of the victim.
“These efforts led to the rescue of the kidnapped victim without a dime being paid and the arrest of three suspects, namely Kari Ibrahim, male, 22 years; Dure Jimoh, male, 25 years; and Abubakar Sidi, male, 55 years,” the statement said.
According to the police, the arrested suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crime, while investigations are ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the syndicate who are currently at large.
The command also disclosed that six expended cartridges were recovered at the scene of the operation.
Ayanlade said the rescued victim is currently receiving medical treatment and necessary support at a hospital, while the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
He noted that the operations underscore the determination of the Oyo State Police Command to promptly rescue kidnapped victims and discourage ransom payments, which often embolden criminal groups.
“The suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crime, while investigations continue to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate.
“The victim is receiving treatment and necessary support at a hospital, while the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
“Additionally, six expended cartridges were recovered at the scene. This operation highlights the Command’s determination to secure victims promptly and prevent ransom payments that embolden criminals," he added.