The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, identified as Muhammadu Abubakar, and recovered an AK-47 rifle in Ikoyi-Ile, Oriire Local Government Area of the state in a coordinated and intelligence-led operation.
The Police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, said in a statement released on Sunday in Ibadan, stated that the police received information that three armed men, carrying an AK-47 rifle and other weapons, were seen marauding around the forest and farmland in the area.
Acting on the report, a joint team of operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Ikoyi-Ile Division, mobilised to the location and conducted a meticulous search of the surrounding bushes to locate the suspects and recover any illegal firearms.
Ayanlade said the suspect confessed to a series of kidnapping activities around the Ogbomoso–Ikoyi-Ile axis and has been cooperating with ongoing investigations.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, directed that the suspect be transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department for discreet and thorough investigation, while a manhunt has commenced to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
Ayanlade added that the CP commended the officers involved for their commitment to intelligence-led policing.
The statement read, “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of the successful arrest of a notorious kidnapper and the recovery of a firearm through a coordinated, intelligence-led operation involving security agencies.
“This achievement underscores the effectiveness of timely intelligence sharing by members of the public, which enabled the police and other security agencies to respond swiftly to a developing threat. In this instance, information received from a vigilant member of the public revealed that three armed men, carrying an AK-47 rifle and other weapons, were seen marauding around the forest and farmland in the Ikoyi-Ile area.
“Acting promptly on this report, a joint team of operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ikoyi-Ile Division, mobilised to the location and conducted a meticulous search of the surrounding bushes to locate the suspects and recover any illegal firearms.
“The operation culminated in the arrest of one of the suspects, identified as Muhammadu Abubakar (male), from whom an AK-47 rifle with breach number 6628/2274, six rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and three live cartridges were recovered.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to a series of kidnapping activities around the Ogbomoso–Ikoyi-Ile axis and has been cooperating with ongoing investigations. This successful operation further highlights the critical role of public cooperation in combating crime.”
The command urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information, emphasising that sustained community partnership remains essential to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
It reassured the public of its unwavering resolve to rid the state of violent crimes such as kidnapping and banditry, stating that it remains committed to deploying all necessary resources and strategies to protect lives and property, maintain law and order, and ensure that the state remains safe for all law-abiding residents.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
