The Oyo State Police Command has successfully apprehended a suspected kidnapper during a high-stakes sting operation in the Otefon forest area of Atiba Local Government. The suspect was captured in the early hours of Wednesday while attempting to collect a N10 million ransom demanded for the release of a local resident, Alhaji Bagudu, who had been held hostage for nearly a week.
The breakthrough followed a coordinated effort between the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria. Security forces acted on credible intelligence indicating that a six-man armed gang had converged in the forest to finalise the financial transaction. According to official reports, the tactical team prioritised the victim's safety, ensuring Bagudu was out of harm’s way before moving to intercept the criminals.
"Upon receipt of the intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, immediately directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to move into the area for a rescue and arrest operation," stated the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade. He confirmed that the victim had been abducted from his residence in Ilowa Village on May 9, 2026, before being whisked into the dense Otefon forest.
The operation escalated into a violent confrontation when the kidnappers sighted the approaching security operatives. Ayanlade noted that the suspects opened fire, leading to a fierce gun duel. While five members of the gang managed to escape into the thicket with suspected gunshot wounds, one suspect, identified as Mohammed Sanni, was arrested at the scene.
Security forces recovered several items from the site, including a motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, a mobile phone, and articles of clothing. These items are currently undergoing forensic analysis to help investigators track the fleeing accomplices. Ayanlade further revealed that the suspect in custody has begun providing "useful confessional statements" that are aiding the ongoing manhunt for the remaining gang members.
The command has reiterated its commitment to flushing out criminal elements from the state's forest reserves. Commissioner Abimbola urged the public to remain vigilant and continue sharing timely information with the police.