The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers and the rescue of an abducted victim during a coordinated security operation in Otu, in Itesiwaju local government area of Oke-Ogun zone.

The operation, which involved police operatives, local hunters and other security agencies, was carried out following a distress call reporting an attack on hunters by armed kidnappers during a hunting expedition in the area.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident occurred on May 25, 2026, when local hunters came under heavy gunfire from suspected kidnappers operating within the Otu axis.

The police spokesperson noted that no casualty was recorded among the hunters at the initial stage of the attack.

The statement explained that security operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene after receiving intelligence from the hunters, leading to a fierce gun battle between the suspected criminals and the combined security team.

“Upon arrival, the suspects opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel.

“However, through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers,” the statement read.

The police further disclosed that the operation led to the rescue of an abducted victim said to be about 50 years old, who had earlier been kidnapped at Okaka and held captive within the Otu area.

According to the Command, the victim sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for urgent treatment.

Security operatives also recovered an AK-47 rifle without ammunition, a single-barrel gun and a machete from the scene.

The Command, however, confirmed that one of the local hunters who participated in the operation sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

Commending the courage and collaboration displayed during the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, praised the local hunters and other security stakeholders for their support and timely intervention, which he described as critical to the success of the mission.

The police reiterated their commitment to intensifying operations against kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the state, assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to ensure the safety of lives and property.

The Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to aid ongoing security operations across the state.

Residents were advised to contact the state’s emergency response lines in situations requiring urgent security intervention.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers and the rescue of an abducted victim during a coordinated security operation in Otu, in Itesiwaju local government area of Oke-Ogun zone.

The operation, which involved police operatives, local hunters and other security agencies, was carried out following a distress call reporting an attack on hunters by armed kidnappers during a hunting expedition in the area.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident occurred on May 25, 2026, when local hunters came under heavy gunfire from suspected kidnappers operating within the Otu axis.

The police spokesperson noted that no casualty was recorded among the hunters at the initial stage of the attack.

The statement explained that security operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene after receiving intelligence from the hunters, leading to a fierce gun battle between the suspected criminals and the combined security team.

“Upon arrival, the suspects opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel.

“However, through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers,” the statement read.

The police further disclosed that the operation led to the rescue of an abducted victim said to be about 50 years old, who had earlier been kidnapped at Okaka and held captive within the Otu area.

According to the Command, the victim sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for urgent treatment.

Security operatives also recovered an AK-47 rifle without ammunition, a single-barrel gun and a machete from the scene.

The Command, however, confirmed that one of the local hunters who participated in the operation sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

Commending the courage and collaboration displayed during the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, praised the local hunters and other security stakeholders for their support and timely intervention, which he described as critical to the success of the mission.

The police reiterated their commitment to intensifying operations against kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the state, assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to ensure the safety of lives and property.

The Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to aid ongoing security operations across the state.

Residents were advised to contact the state’s emergency response lines in situations requiring urgent security intervention.