The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that three suspected kidnappers were killed and an abducted man rescued during a joint security operation carried out in Otu, within the Oke-Ogun area of the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the raid was conducted alongside local hunters and other security operatives as part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across Oyo State.
According to the statement, the operation was triggered after local hunters on a routine expedition in Otu sent a distress call on May 25, 2026, reporting that they had been attacked by suspected kidnappers who opened fire on them.
The police noted that the hunters escaped unharmed during the initial ambush.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence received, a response team comprising police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies was immediately mobilised to the scene at Otu,” the statement read.
Upon reaching the location, the security team reportedly came under heavy gunfire from the suspected kidnappers, leading to a fierce exchange.
“However, through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers,” the police said.
Authorities further disclosed that the operation resulted in the rescue of a victim, identified as Mr Mosudi Gbolagade, a 50-year-old man who had earlier been abducted in Okaka and was being held in the Otu area.
Although he sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, officials confirmed that he had been taken to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.
Items recovered at the scene included one AK-47 rifle without ammunition, a single-barrel gun, and a machete.
The command also confirmed that one of the participating local hunters sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Commending the outcome of the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State praised the courage and cooperation of the local hunters and other security agencies involved.
“The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, lauded the gallantry of the local hunters and other security stakeholders whose timely intervention significantly contributed to the success recorded,” the statement added.
The police reiterated their commitment to intensifying operations against criminal groups across the state and urged residents to remain alert and continue sharing credible and timely information with security agencies.
