Two children abducted by gunmen in Oyo State have regained their freedom after a fierce joint security operation led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers and the recovery of dangerous weapons linked to criminal gangs.
The operation, carried out by the Oyo State Police Command alongside operatives of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters, took place in Ibarapa East Local Government Area and resulted in the successful rescue of the victims.
The Command also announced the recovery of sophisticated firearms, including Russian-made double-barrel guns, a pump-action rifle, an English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges during a separate intelligence-driven operation targeting an armed robbery syndicate believed to be operating from Lagos State.
The developments were disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who said the successes reflected the Command’s resolve to strengthen intelligence-led policing and dismantle criminal networks across the State.
According to the statement, the abduction occurred on Friday, June 27, 2026, when armed hoodlums stormed Ebinpejo Village through Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, ransacked homes, attacked residents and whisked away two children.
Following the distress call, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to mobilise operatives and collaborate with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters for an intensive bush-combing exercise aimed at rescuing the victims and tracking down the kidnappers.
Acting on intelligence and technical surveillance, the joint security team eventually traced the suspects to a hideout deep inside a forest.
On noticing the approaching operatives, the kidnappers reportedly opened fire, triggering a gun battle.
The security team returned fire, overpowering the suspects and forcing them to flee in different directions.
During the operation, a 25-year-old suspect identified as Umaru Usman sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and was arrested at the scene. Three mobile phones were also recovered.
In a follow-up operation carried out in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, 2026, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, was arrested with gunshot injuries believed to have been sustained during the exchange of fire with security operatives. He was taken to hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, who police identified as a local collaborator accused of providing logistical support to the kidnappers.
Another suspect, Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, was also arrested after investigators discovered he had allegedly travelled from Ilorin in Kwara State to participate in the operation.
Police said the four suspects are assisting investigators with information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the criminal gang still on the run.
The abducted children were rescued alive and immediately taken for medical attention.
Authorities disclosed that one of the victims sustained injuries during captivity but was treated before both children were reunited with their family.
The Command added that investigations are continuing and more updates would be provided as the case progresses.
In a separate operation, officers attached to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit recovered a cache of weapons during an operation linked to an armed robbery syndicate believed to be operating from Lagos State.
The operation followed an earlier police action on June 12, 2026, which led to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of a locally-made pistol.
According to police, intelligence reports revealed that a wanted armed robbery kingpin was hiding in the Ajah area of Lagos alongside members of his gang and was allegedly in possession of an English-made pistol.
Although the suspects escaped upon sighting security operatives, a thorough search of their hideout led to the recovery of two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns with serial numbers T3586 and 0217/2011, one Magnum pump-action rifle bearing serial number S&W357, one English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges.
The Oyo State Police Command said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing kingpin and dismantle the remaining members of the criminal syndicate.
