The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted minors and arrested multiple suspects linked to kidnapping and a separate murder case in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, in Ibadan, describing the operations as outcomes of intelligence-driven and proactive policing.
According to the police, the kidnapping incident was reported around 9 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Iwéré-Ìlè Division. Two brothers, Hadu Abubakar, 15, and Sadari Abubakar, 14, were abducted by armed men from Akinsapon Village, near Ayétòrò-Ìlè.
“Upon receiving the report, the command immediately mobilised operatives in collaboration with other security agencies to track the suspects and rescue the victims,” the statement said.
The police explained that the coordinated operation led to the safe rescue of the two minors, who were later reunited with their family without sustaining further harm.
Four suspects were arrested in connection with the abduction. They were identified as Abubakar Abubakar, 25; Usman Mohammed, 23; Sanda Legi, 21; and Dore Hado, 22.
“Two of the suspects sustained injuries during the operation and are currently receiving medical treatment under strict police guard, while the remaining two are in custody,” the police added.
Items recovered from the suspects included two cutlasses, a sander stick and the sum of ₦15,700.
The command noted that the suspects had confessed to the crime and were cooperating with investigators.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad for a discreet and comprehensive investigation aimed at dismantling the entire criminal network,” the statement said.
In a related development, the police also announced progress in a murder case reported at the Ago-Are Division in Atisbo Local Government Area.
Preliminary findings revealed that the incident stemmed from a dispute over cattle rearing involving Umaru Saidu, 40; Umaru Gambo, 37; and a 20-year-old man, Seidu Amisu, at the Budo Fatti area of Ofiki Village.
“The disagreement escalated into a physical altercation, during which Umaru Gambo allegedly assaulted Seidu Amisu with a stick, leading to his death,” the police stated.
The suspects were said to have attempted to conceal the crime by secretly burying the victim, with the assistance of four other individuals.
“After realising the victim had died, the suspects conspired to bury the body without informing the family or the police,” the statement added.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives arrested all seven suspects involved in the incident. They are currently in custody.
“All suspects have confessed to their respective roles in the offence and are cooperating with ongoing investigations,” the police said.
The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring residents of sustained efforts to combat crime across the state.
