Police Rescue Two Abducted Children, Arrest Four Suspects After Gun Battle in Oyo Forest

Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have rescued two children who were abducted during an attack on Ebinpejo Village, via Lanlate, in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, and arrested four suspects linked to the crime.

The children were reportedly kidnapped after suspected bandits invaded the community on Friday, June 26, where they looted homes, assaulted residents, and fled with the victims.

Following a distress report, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to immediately launch a coordinated rescue operation. The mission involved officers of the Nigeria Police Force working alongside the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters.

Acting on credible intelligence and deploying technical support, the joint security team tracked the kidnappers to a hideout deep inside a forest. On sighting the advancing operatives, the suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a gun battle. The security team overpowered the attackers, forcing them to flee in different directions.

During the operation, one of the suspects, Umaru Usman, 25, sustained gunshot injuries while attempting to escape and was arrested. Security operatives also recovered three mobile phones from the scene.

In a follow-up operation carried out in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, was apprehended. Police said he also suffered gunshot wounds believed to have been sustained during the exchange of fire and was taken to the hospital for treatment while remaining in police custody.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, who is alleged to have served as a local collaborator by providing logistical support to the kidnappers. Another suspect, Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, was also arrested after investigators alleged that he travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said all four suspects are cooperating with investigators by providing information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the criminal network.

He added that the abducted children were rescued alive and taken for medical attention. One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but was treated before both children were reunited with their family.

According to the police spokesperson, investigations are still ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects connected to the kidnapping.