The Oyo State Police Command has recorded another operational success in its ongoing crackdown on violent crimes and criminal elements across the state, with the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers and the rescue of an abducted victim.
The operation was carried out in Otu, located in the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State, in collaboration with local hunters and other security agencies.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the operation followed a distress call received on May 25, 2026, from local hunters who came under gunfire attack by suspected kidnappers during a hunting expedition in Otu.
Fortunately, no casualties were recorded among the hunters during the initial attack.
Ayanlade explained that a coordinated response team comprising police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies was immediately mobilised to the area following credible intelligence.
According to the statement, the suspected kidnappers opened fire on sighting the security operatives, leading to a gun duel between both sides.
“Through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers,” the statement noted.
The operation also led to the successful rescue of an abducted victim identified as Mosudi Gbolagade, a 50-year-old man who was reportedly kidnapped at Okaka and held captive within the Otu area.
Although the victim sustained gunshot injuries during the incident, police said he had been evacuated for urgent medical attention and is currently receiving treatment.
Security operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle without ammunition, one single-barrel gun, and one machete from the scene.
The police further disclosed that one of the local hunters involved in the operation sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire and has been taken to hospital for treatment.
