The Oyo State Police Command has said its operatives, in collaboration with local hunters and other security agencies, neutralised three suspected kidnappers during a security operation in Otu, in the Oke-Ogun axis of the state.
The command also said an abducted victim, identified as Mosudi Gbolagade, aged about 50, was rescued during the operation.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, PrimeTimes Nigeria reports.
According to the police, the operation followed a distress call received on May 25, 2026, from local hunters who were reportedly attacked by suspected kidnappers while on a hunting expedition in Otu.
The command said the suspected kidnappers opened fire on the hunters, but no casualties were recorded during the initial attack.
The statement said, “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.”
The police said the suspected kidnappers opened fire on the security team when operatives arrived at the scene.
The development reportedly led to a gun battle between the suspects and the combined security team.
The command said the suspects were eventually overpowered following what it described as a superior tactical response and coordinated effort by the security operatives.
It stated, “Through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers.”
The command said the operation led to the rescue of Gbolagade, who was allegedly kidnapped at Okaka and held captive in the Otu area.
According to the statement, the victim sustained gunshot injuries during the incident and was immediately evacuated for medical treatment.
The police also confirmed that one local hunter sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.
The injured hunter was said to be receiving treatment at a hospital.
The command disclosed that security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle without ammunition from the scene.
Other items recovered included one single-barrel gun and a machete.
The police said the recovered weapons were taken into custody as exhibits, while further security operations would continue in the area to track other criminal elements.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State commended the bravery of the local hunters and other security stakeholders who participated in the rescue operation.
The command said their cooperation with the police was vital to the success of the operation.
The statement added, “The Command therefore reiterates its unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements across the state and urges residents to remain vigilant by providing credible and timely information to security agencies.”
The police assured residents that the command would continue to intensify operations across the state, especially in areas vulnerable to kidnapping and other violent crimes.