Oyo Police foil Kidnap operation, rescue two victims in Gbonkan

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped victims and neutralised one suspected kidnapper during a joint security operation in Gaa Alhaji, Gbonkan, via Ipapo, in Oorelope Local Government Area of the state.

The victims were abducted on Monday, June 29, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m. when armed men, suspected to be kidnappers, invaded the camp of Alhaji Gbonkan at Gaa Alhaji. The attackers reportedly fired sporadically to create panic before abducting three adult males identified as Alhaji Usman Abubakar, Aliu Usman, and Saliu Abubakar.

Following a distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ipapo Division to coordinate a joint rescue operation involving officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), and local hunters.

Security operatives immediately launched a search-and-rescue mission, while forensic investigators processed the crime scene and recovered relevant evidence. Using intelligence gathered during the investigation, the joint security team combed nearby forests and adjoining communities in pursuit of the suspects.

The operation led operatives to the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside the forest, where the suspects reportedly opened fire on the advancing security team. A gun battle ensued, during which one suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.

A member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria sustained injuries during the exchange and is currently receiving medical treatment.

The operation also resulted in the rescue of two of the abducted victims. One of them sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot injury and was taken to a medical facility for treatment, while the second victim received medical attention after the ordeal.

Police said the third victim became separated from the others after reportedly fleeing in a different direction during the exchange of gunfire. Authorities believe he is safe, and search efforts are ongoing to locate and reunite him with his family.

The Command said security operatives have continued to intensify the manhunt for the fleeing suspects using actionable intelligence and expressed confidence that those responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted.

Commending the efforts of all security personnel involved, CP Olugbenga praised the courage, professionalism, and collaboration demonstrated by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and local hunters, whose combined efforts contributed to the successful rescue operation.

He reassured residents of Oyo State of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, adding that the operation would continue until the remaining victim is found and all members of the criminal gang are arrested.

The Police also appealed to residents of Ipapo, Gbonkan, and neighbouring communities to remain calm and vigilant by providing timely and credible information to security agencies. Members of the public were urged to report anyone with suspicious injuries, particularly gunshot wounds, or persons seeking medical treatment under questionable circumstances, assuring that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.