A 15-year-old boy abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State has been rescued by the police after a gun duel with suspected kidnappers along the Awe-Iwo Road axis, while one of the suspects was killed.

The victim, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, was rescued at about 9:30 p.m. during a security operation at Pipeline, Ajagba, following intelligence that the kidnappers were demanding ransom for his release.

The Oyo State Police Command said the boy was abducted on October 18, while information about the ransom demand reached the command on October 22, prompting a coordinated operation to secure his release.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section to work with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria to track the suspects and rescue the teenager.

According to the police, the security team advanced on the suspects’ location along the Awe-Iwo Road axis when the kidnappers allegedly opened fire, triggering a gun battle.

The operatives rescued the teenager during the exchange of fire, while one unidentified suspected kidnapper was neutralised. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped in different directions, with some believed to have sustained gunshot injuries.

The police said the injured suspect was taken to a hospital, where a doctor confirmed him dead. His remains were subsequently deposited in a morgue.

Items recovered from the operation included an Android mobile phone and a cutlass, which the command said would assist the ongoing investigation.

Following the operation, the police urged residents around Awe-Iwo Road and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report anyone suspected of having gunshot wounds.

Medical practitioners, hospital administrators and other healthcare workers were also asked to alert the police if anyone sought treatment for gunshot injuries suspected to be linked to the incident.

The command said information could be reported at the nearest police station or through its established communication channels, adding that public cooperation would help security operatives track the fleeing suspects and prevent further crimes.

Commissioner Olugbenga reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security stakeholders would continue to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.

Residents can contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre on the toll-free number 615, or reach the police command’s control room on 08081768614 and 07055495413 in emergencies.

A 15-year-old boy abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State has been rescued by the police after a gun duel with suspected kidnappers along the Awe-Iwo Road axis, while one of the suspects was killed.

The victim, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, was rescued at about 9:30 p.m. during a security operation at Pipeline, Ajagba, following intelligence that the kidnappers were demanding ransom for his release.

The Oyo State Police Command said the boy was abducted on October 18, while information about the ransom demand reached the command on October 22, prompting a coordinated operation to secure his release.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section to work with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria to track the suspects and rescue the teenager.

According to the police, the security team advanced on the suspects’ location along the Awe-Iwo Road axis when the kidnappers allegedly opened fire, triggering a gun battle.

The operatives rescued the teenager during the exchange of fire, while one unidentified suspected kidnapper was neutralised. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped in different directions, with some believed to have sustained gunshot injuries.

The police said the injured suspect was taken to a hospital, where a doctor confirmed him dead. His remains were subsequently deposited in a morgue.

Items recovered from the operation included an Android mobile phone and a cutlass, which the command said would assist the ongoing investigation.

Following the operation, the police urged residents around Awe-Iwo Road and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report anyone suspected of having gunshot wounds.

Medical practitioners, hospital administrators and other healthcare workers were also asked to alert the police if anyone sought treatment for gunshot injuries suspected to be linked to the incident.

The command said information could be reported at the nearest police station or through its established communication channels, adding that public cooperation would help security operatives track the fleeing suspects and prevent further crimes.

Commissioner Olugbenga reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security stakeholders would continue to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.

Residents can contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre on the toll-free number 615, or reach the police command’s control room on 08081768614 and 07055495413 in emergencies.