The Oyo State command of the Nigeria Police Force has rescued two abducted children and arrested four suspected kidnappers during separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
The command also recovered items from the suspects, including three mobile phones.
Naijaonpoint reports that the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Olayinka said the operation followed a distress call that armed men had invaded Ebinpejo Village, via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, where they attacked residents and abducted two children.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered a joint rescue operation involving police operatives, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The police said the combined security team tracked the kidnappers’ hideout in a forest using credible intelligence and technical support.
According to the statement, the suspected kidnappers opened fire on the advancing team, leading to a gun battle.
One of the suspects, Umaru Usman, 25, was arrested with gunshot wounds, while three mobile phones were recovered.
The command said another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, was later arrested with gunshot injuries believed to have been sustained during the exchange of fire.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, described by the police as a local collaborator, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who allegedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the kidnapping.
The police said the four suspects were assisting investigators in efforts to identify and arrest other members of the gang.
The two abducted children were rescued alive, taken for medical treatment and reunited with their families.
One of the victims, who sustained injuries during captivity, was said to have been treated.
The command assured residents that efforts would be sustained to rid the state of criminal elements and protect lives and property.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, last Friday gave fresh assurances that his administration remains committed to the welfare and safety of all citizens and residents of the state.
Makinde, in a statement, assured that the government is working around the clock in coordination with security agencies to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area.
The Governor added that the government had approved a temporary 16-hour curfew in 10 Local Government Areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park to strengthen security operations and create the conditions needed for the rescue mission.
Makinde added that education remains a top priority and preparations were underway to ensure schools resumed safely despite the security challenges.
He assured that the government would take all necessary precautions to protect pupils, teachers and their host communities.
As part of efforts to boost security in Oyo State, Governor Makinde disclosed that the government will soon take delivery of the state’s surveillance aircraft.
He said the delivery has entered its final phase, explaining that additional technical procedures had delayed the expected June delivery.
According to him, the remaining processes are necessary to ensure that all operational, regulatory and safety requirements are fully met before the aircraft is handed over.
Makinde assured that the aircraft will be ready for operation when delivered.
