The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two children abducted by gunmen in Ibarapa East Local Government Area and arrested four suspected kidnappers in a coordinated security operation that also led to the recovery of sophisticated firearms linked to an armed robbery syndicate.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday, saying the operations highlight the Command’s intensified efforts to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.
According to the statement, the abductors invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate on Friday, June 27, 2026, where they attacked residents, ransacked homes and abducted two children.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to mobilise police operatives alongside personnel of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters for an intensive search operation.
Acting on credible intelligence and supported by technical surveillance, the joint security team tracked the kidnappers to a forest hideout. The suspects reportedly opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun battle before they were overwhelmed and forced to flee.
One suspect, Umaru Usman, 25, who sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape, was arrested at the scene, while three mobile phones were recovered.
A follow-up operation on Saturday, June 28, led to the arrest of another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, who was also found with gunshot wounds allegedly sustained during the exchange of fire. He is receiving medical treatment while in police custody.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, identified as a local collaborator accused of providing logistical support to the gang, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who allegedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.
Police said the four suspects are assisting investigators with useful information to facilitate the arrest of other members of the criminal network.
The abducted children were rescued safely and taken for medical attention. One of the victims, who sustained injuries during the ordeal, was treated before both children were reunited with their family.
In a separate operation, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms during a raid on a suspected armed robbery syndicate’s hideout in the Ajah area of Lagos State.
The operation followed intelligence indicating that a wanted armed robbery kingpin was hiding in the area with members of his gang.
Although the suspects escaped before the operatives arrived, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, one Magnum pump-action rifle, one English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges.
The Command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, noting that the recovery demonstrates its commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks and preventing violent crimes.
The Oyo State Police Command commended the support of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters and members of the public, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led policing.
Police also assured residents that investigations into both cases are ongoing and that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
