At least three suspected kidnappers have been neutralised with an abducted victim rescued in joint operation carried out by the police and local hunters in Oyo state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Oyo State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade.
According to Ayanlade, the command recorded the success during a coordinated security operation conducted at Otu in the Oke-Ogun axis of the state.
He noted that the operation was in collaboration with local hunters and other security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to rid Oyo State of violent crime and other criminal elements.
“The operation was initiated following a distress call received on Monday from local hunters who had gone on a hunting expedition in Otu and came under gunfire attack by suspected kidnappers.
“Fortunately, no casualty was recorded among the hunters.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence received, a response team, comprising police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies, was immediately mobilised to the scene at Otu.
“Upon arrival, the hoodlums opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel.
“However, through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers.
“Consequently, the operation also resulted in the successful rescue of an abducted victim, identified as Mr Mosudi Gbolagade, male, aged about 50 years.
“The victim had earlier been kidnapped at Okaka and held captive within the Otu area,” he said.
Ayanlade noted that the victim sustained gunshot injuries during the incident but was quickly evacuated for urgent medical attention.
He added that one of the local hunters also sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and was promptly rushed to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical care.
“In the course of the operation, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle without ammunition, one single-barrelled gun, and one machete from the scene, further underscoring the violent intent of the criminal elements,” he said.
He said the state Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, lauded the gallantry of the local hunters and other security stakeholders whose timely intervention significantly contributed to the success recorded.
The command reiterated its unwavering commitment to sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements across the state and urged residents to remain vigilant by providing credible and timely information to security agencies.