The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a five-year-old girl who was kidnapped in Ibadan and arrested two suspects linked to the crime. The child, identified as Fikayo Gbemiga, was found safe after an intelligence-led operation, bringing relief to her family and highlighting the police’s continued efforts to tackle kidnapping in the state.
The rescue followed days of investigation after the young girl was abducted from her family’s residence in the Iyana Offa area of Ibadan on 3 July 2026. According to the police, the kidnappers demanded a ransom before eventually accepting a lower payment from the victim’s family.
The Oyo State Police Command said officers attached to its Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched an investigation immediately after receiving a report of the abduction.
Police intelligence and technical surveillance were used to trace the suspects. Investigators monitored available leads, gathered information from different sources and tracked the movement of those believed to be involved in the kidnapping.
The operation eventually led officers to the location where the five-year-old was being held.
The child was rescued alive and unharmed before being reunited with her family.
During the operation, two male suspects were arrested. Police said the suspects are currently in custody and are assisting investigators with further inquiries.
Authorities added that efforts are continuing to identify and arrest other members of the suspected kidnapping gang who remain at large.
According to information released by the police, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦10 million from the girl’s family for her release.
As negotiations continued, the suspects allegedly agreed to accept ₦1 million before the police intervened and successfully rescued the victim.
Security agencies have not disclosed whether the ransom money was recovered or whether additional arrests are expected as investigations continue.
The police have also not announced when the suspects will be formally charged in court.
The Oyo State Police Command said the rescue was made possible through intelligence gathering and cooperation from members of the public who supplied useful information during the investigation.
Police spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed that the suspects remain in custody while detectives continue to investigate the case.
The command also appealed to residents to continue reporting suspicious movements and criminal activities promptly, noting that public cooperation remains an important part of efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Kidnapping for ransom has remained one of Nigeria’s major security challenges in recent years. While the crime has been more common in some northern and central states, incidents have also been reported across parts of the South-West, including Oyo State.
Security agencies have continued to increase intelligence-led operations to dismantle kidnapping networks, rescue victims and prosecute those responsible.
Experts say early reporting of suspected kidnappings often improves the chances of locating victims quickly. Police also advise families to work closely with security agencies during investigations and avoid actions that could compromise rescue efforts.
Authorities have repeatedly encouraged communities to remain vigilant by reporting unusual activities, abandoned buildings or suspicious persons to the nearest police station or emergency response unit.
Although two suspects have been arrested, police say investigations have not been concluded. Detectives are working to identify other individuals believed to have participated in the kidnapping.
The rescued child is now back with her family, while the suspects are expected to face prosecution once investigations are completed and legal procedures are finalised.
The successful rescue adds to recent efforts by security agencies to strengthen anti-kidnapping operations in Oyo State. Police have assured residents that operations against criminal groups will continue and urged the public to remain alert and cooperate with law enforcement by providing credible information that could help prevent future crimes.