The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped victims and neutralised a suspected abductor during a joint security operation in Gaa Alhaji, Gbonkan, via Ipapo, in Oorelope Local Government Area of the state.
According to an official statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the breakthrough followed a coordinated rescue operation launched after armed men suspected to be kidnappers invaded the camp of Alhaji Gbonkan on June 29, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m.
The statement said the assailants fired sporadically to instil fear before abducting three adult males identified as Alhaji Usman Abubakar, Aliu Usman, and Saliu Abubakar.
Upon receiving the distress report, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, directed the Divisional Police Officer of Ipapo Division to coordinate a robust joint operation involving operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), and local hunters to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
The statement disclosed that the joint security team immediately processed the crime scene through a forensic sweep, secured relevant evidence, and deployed intelligence-driven tactics to comb the surrounding forests and adjoining communities in search of the kidnappers.
The operation eventually led security operatives to the suspects’ hideout deep inside the forest, where the kidnappers opened fire on the advancing team, resulting in a fierce gun battle.
According to the statement, one suspected kidnapper was neutralised during the exchange of fire, while other members of the gang fled into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds. One member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria sustained injuries during the operation and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The sustained offensive by the joint security team resulted in the successful rescue of two of the abducted victims. One of the rescued victims sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot injury and was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment, while the second victim also received medical attention following the ordeal.
The Command explained that the third victim became separated from the others after reportedly running in a different direction during the gun battle and is believed to be safe. Intensive search efforts are ongoing to locate and reunite him with his family.
The statement added that security operatives have continued to exploit actionable intelligence and maintain pressure on the fleeing suspects with the aim of ensuring their arrest and prosecution.
CP Olugbenga reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Oyo State and commended the courage, professionalism, resilience, and seamless collaboration displayed by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and local hunters during the operation.
He assured residents that the operation would remain active until the remaining victim is safely located and every member of the criminal gang responsible for the attack is apprehended and brought to justice.
The Commissioner also appealed to residents of Ipapo, Gbonkan, and neighbouring communities to remain calm and vigilant while supporting ongoing security operations with credible and timely information. He urged members of the public to promptly report individuals with suspicious wounds, particularly gunshot injuries, or those seeking medical attention under suspicious circumstances, assuring that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
