Tense Moment As Police Bust Alleged Kidnapper During Ransom Payment Operation

The Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State has confirmed the arrest of a suspected kidnapper during a coordinated operation aimed at rescuing an abducted victim and disrupting a planned ₦10 million ransom collection in Atiba Local Government Area....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The suspect was apprehended on Wednesday, May 13, during a joint security raid at Otefon Village Forest, where members of the kidnapping gang had allegedly gathered to receive ransom money from the victim’s family.

The victim, identified simply as Alhaji Bagudu, was reportedly abducted from his residence in Ilowa Village on May 9 by armed men who later moved him into the forest.

Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the operation was launched following credible intelligence provided by operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Oyo State.

According to Ayanlade, security agencies immediately mobilised after receiving reports about the planned ransom exchange.

He explained that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad along the Oyo/Iseyin corridor to work closely with local vigilantes to rescue the victim and apprehend the kidnappers.

Preliminary investigations revealed that about six armed men were involved in the abduction of Alhaji Bagudu before taking him into the Otefon Forest.

The gang later demanded ₦10 million for his release.

Ayanlade said the security team carefully prioritised the safety of the victim before launching tactical moves against the suspects.

According to him, once authorities confirmed that the victim had regained his freedom unharmed, operatives advanced toward the kidnappers’ location to neutralise the threat and arrest members of the gang.

The police spokesperson disclosed that intelligence gathering and technological support played a major role in tracking the exact location where the suspects assembled.

He further revealed that the kidnappers opened fire immediately they noticed the approaching security operatives, leading to a gun battle inside the forest.

“After the individual carrying the ransom arrived and the victim’s safe release was confirmed, security operatives moved in,” he said. “But on sighting the advancing team, the kidnappers opened fire, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.”

While several members of the gang reportedly escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries, one suspect identified as Mohammed Sanni was arrested during the operation.

Security operatives also recovered a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, believed to have been used for the gang’s operations and logistics.

Other items recovered at the scene included a small mobile phone, a pair of slippers, and a cap, all of which are currently undergoing forensic examination.

The police stated that the arrested suspect has already provided useful confessional statements regarding the activities of the syndicate and his role in the kidnapping operation.

Authorities added that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the gang.

The command also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information capable of assisting ongoing investigations and improving security operations across the state.