The Oyo State Police Command has recorded two major operational successes with the rescue of two kidnapped minors, the arrest of four suspects linked to the abduction, and the apprehension of seven persons connected to a murder in Atisbo Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan. He described the achievements as evidence of the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention.
According to the statement, the kidnapping incident was reported at about 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, at the Iweré-Ìlè Division, following the abduction of two brothers, Hadu Abubakar (15) and Sadari Abubakar (14), from Akinsapon Village near Ayétòrò-Ìlè.
The minors were reportedly abducted by unknown gunmen, prompting the immediate mobilisation of police operatives and other security agencies. A joint security operation was subsequently launched, leading to the successful rescue of the victims and their safe reunion with their family.
“The operation was intelligence-driven and well-coordinated, resulting in the safe rescue of the two minors without further harm,” the statement said.
Four suspects were arrested in connection with the crime. They were identified as Abubakar Abubakar (25), Usman Mohammed (23), Sanda Legi (21) and Dore Hado (22). Two of the suspects sustained injuries during the operation and are currently receiving medical attention under police guard, while the remaining two are in custody.
Items recovered from the suspects include two cutlasses, a sander stick and ₦15,700. Police said the suspects have confessed to the crime and are cooperating with investigators.
The Commissioner of Police has directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad for further investigation aimed at dismantling the entire criminal network.
Murder Case in Atisbo
In a related development, the police also announced a breakthrough in a murder case reported at the Ago-Are Division in Atisbo Local Government Area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident followed a dispute over cattle rearing involving Umaru Saidu (40), Umaru Gambo (37) and Seidu Amisu (20) at the Budo Fatti area of Ofiki Village.
The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation, during which Umaru Gambo allegedly beat Seidu Amisu to death with a stick.
Police said the suspects attempted to conceal the crime by secretly burying the victim with the assistance of four other individuals, without informing the victim’s family or the authorities.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives arrested all seven suspects, who are currently in custody.
The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
