Oyo State Police Rescue Kidnapped Teenager; Manhunt Underway for Fleeing Suspects

Security forces in Oyo State have successfully rescued a 15-year-old boy who had been held captive by a criminal gang. According to a statement issued by the Oyo State Police Command, the victim, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, was abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area on October 18, 2026.

The Rescue Operation

The Oyo State Police Command reported that they received credible intelligence regarding the abduction on October 22, 2026, at approximately 5:00 p.m. In response, Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga mobilized a specialized team from the Anti-Kidnapping Section (AKS), supported by the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria.

Acting on the intelligence, the security team tracked the suspects to the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road. At approximately 9:30 p.m., a violent confrontation ensued when the suspected kidnappers reportedly opened fire on the approaching security personnel. During the ensuing gun battle, the police successfully secured the release of the teenager. One of the suspected kidnappers was fatally wounded during the exchange and was later confirmed dead by medical personnel at a hospital.

Evidence and Ongoing Investigation

Following the operation, authorities recovered an Android mobile phone and a cutlass from the scene. While one suspect was neutralized, the police confirmed that other members of the gang managed to escape. A manhunt is currently active to locate and apprehend the remaining individuals involved in the abduction.

The Command has issued a public appeal for assistance in the ongoing investigation. Specifically, residents in the Awe–Iwo Road vicinity and surrounding communities are urged to monitor for individuals exhibiting suspicious gunshot wounds. The police emphasized that such injuries could be a critical indicator of involvement in the recent clash.

Call to Action for Healthcare Providers

In a direct appeal to the medical community, the Oyo State Police Command has requested that hospital administrators, private practitioners, and healthcare workers report any patients seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. The authorities noted that such cases should be immediately reported to the nearest police station or through the Command’s established communication channels.

Security Outlook in Oyo State

Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga reiterated the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks operating within the state. The police stated that they intend to maintain intelligence-led operations and continue fostering collaboration with local security agencies, such as the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to prevent future incidents of kidnapping. The public is encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to assist security efforts in the region.

Note: Information regarding the specific identities of the fleeing suspects or the motive behind the ransom demands remains unavailable at this time.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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