The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old boy, Sumaila Muhammadu, from suspected kidnappers and neutralised one of the suspects during a security operation along the Awe–Iwo Road axis of the state.
The operation followed intelligence received by the command on Thursday, October 22, 2026, indicating that the kidnappers were demanding ransom for the release of the teenager, who was abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area on October 18.
The Punch reported that the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday, explaining that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola,
subsequently directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section to track down the suspects and rescue the victim.
According to him, the police operatives collaborated with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria and moved to the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road, where the suspects were believed to be operating.
Ayanlade said the operation led to a gun battle at about 9:30 pm after the suspected kidnappers opened fire on the advancing security team.
Despite the attack, the operatives rescued Muhammadu, while one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised.
He added that other members of the gang escaped in different directions and were believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.
“Following the encounter, the neutralised suspect was taken to the Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead. His corpse was subsequently deposited at the morgue,” the statement stated.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the operatives recovered an Android mobile phone and a cutlass during the operation, adding that the items would form part of the ongoing investigation.
The command urged residents of the Awe–Iwo Road axis and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds to the police, as the information could help track down the fleeing suspects.
“Given that the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire, the command is urging residents, particularly those living around the Awe–Iwo Road axis and adjoining communities, to remain vigilant and promptly report anyone presenting with suspicious gunshot wounds to the Police.
“Such timely information could prove crucial to locating the fleeing suspects and preventing further criminal activities.”
The command also appealed to medical practitioners, hospital administrators and other healthcare workers to alert the police to anyone seeking treatment for gunshot injuries suspected to be connected with the incident.
It reassured residents of its commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-led operations and collaboration with relevant security stakeholders.
The police further urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks across the state.
