The Osun State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim unhurt, recovered ₦2.217 million in ransom money, arrested a suspected kidnapper and apprehended three suspected cultists linked to ritual-related activities in a series of intelligence-driven operations across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, mnips, disclosed this on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, during a press briefing in Osogbo, where he highlighted the Command’s recent operational successes in the fight against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes.
CP Gotan said the Command received a report on 9 July 2026 that a 50-year-old Fulani herdsman, Haruna Yusuf, had been abducted by four suspected kidnappers from a remote settlement near Wasinmi Village along the Gbongan-Ife-Ibadan Road.
He explained that police operatives, working with local vigilantes, immediately launched a search operation before transferring the case to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) Anti-Kidnapping Section for discreet investigation and tactical intervention.
According to the Commissioner, operatives conducted an intelligence-led operation on 12 July while closely monitoring the ransom payment process at a designated drop-off point in the Majeroku area along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway.
He said the victim was rescued unhurt after the kidnappers opened fire on sighting the police team, prompting a gun battle during which one of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries and was arrested, while others escaped into the surrounding forest.
“The injured suspect was immediately taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital for medical treatment and is currently responding to treatment. The sum of Two Million, Two Hundred and Seventeen Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira (₦2,217,800), being proceeds of the ransom, was recovered at the scene. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping gang terrorising the area,” CP Gotan said.
The Commissioner also announced another breakthrough with the arrest of three suspected cultists and ritualists in Iree following intelligence reports that criminal gangs had been terrorising the community.
He identified the suspects as Michael Oluwatobi, 23; Busayo Joseph, 22; and Abu Azeez, 23, who were arrested on 14 July 2026 after sustained surveillance by the VCRU.
CP Gotan disclosed that preliminary investigations indicate the suspects are members of a cult group and are also being investigated for alleged involvement in ritual-related activities. He said exhibits recovered from them include a small coffin and locally made charms and soaps.
“I have directed that a thorough and discreet investigation be conducted to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other members of the criminal network,” he stated.
The Police Commissioner further revealed that the Command had made another arrest in connection with a failed kidnapping attempt at Ijebu-Jesa on 7 May 2026. He recalled that the principal suspect, Umaru Adamu, was arrested during the operation and paraded on 19 May, while further technical analysis and actionable intelligence led to the arrest of another suspect, Buhari Mutari, in the Seyin area of Oyo State.
In addition, the Command arrested eight other suspects during raids on identified criminal black spots across the state for offences including stealing, unlawful possession of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and hooliganism. He said all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to public safety, CP Gotan assured residents that the Osun State Police Command would continue to intensify operations against kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
He urged parents, guardians, school authorities and community leaders to remain vigilant and support the police with timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains indispensable in preventing crime and safeguarding lives and property.
The Commissioner also commended the courage and professionalism of the Command’s operatives, assuring residents that there would be no safe haven for criminal elements anywhere in Osun State.
