Oyo Police rescue 15-year-old kidnap victim, neutralise suspect

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old boy from suspected kidnappers and neutralised one of the suspects during a security operation along the Awe–Iwo Road axis of the state.

The operation, according to the command, followed intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around the Pipeline-Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road.

The operatives were subsequently mobilised to the area, where they advanced towards the suspects’ location.

At about 9:30 p.m., the suspected kidnappers reportedly opened fire on the advancing security team, leading to a gun duel between both sides.

Despite the attack, the operatives rescued the victim, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, a 15-year-old boy, while one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised.

Other members of the gang reportedly fled the scene with gunshot injuries.
The police said the neutralised suspect was taken to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead. His corpse was subsequently deposited at the morgue.

Items recovered during the operation included an Android mobile phone and a cutlass, which the command said would form part of the ongoing investigation.

Following the operation, the command urged residents, particularly those living around the Awe–Iwo Road axis and neighbouring communities, to remain vigilant and report anyone suspected of having gunshot injuries.

It said information from residents could assist security operatives in tracking down the fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities.

The command also appealed to medical practitioners, hospital administrators and other healthcare workers to promptly notify the police of anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds suspected to be connected with the incident.

Reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, the Commissioner of Police assured residents that the police would sustain intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with other security stakeholders to dismantle criminal networks and curb kidnapping across the state.

He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that public cooperation remained essential to achieving lasting security.