The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has recorded another operational breakthrough as operatives of the Agro-Rangers deployed to the Iseyin Axis of Oyo State successfully engaged suspected kidnappers and bandits in a gun duel, leading to the neutralisation of one suspect and the arrest of two others.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Command, SC Samuel Opebiyi, the command responded to a distress call from the Sawmill Area of Iseyin around 1:20 am on Tuesday, 5th May, 2026, regarding nefarious activities of a criminal element, and the Agro-Rangers with other security agencies were mobilized to the area.
“Owing to the tactical swift response and strategic deployment of the NSCDC Agro-Rangers in the Iseyin Axis, the operatives were the first security team to arrive at the scene.
“On arrival, the Agro-Rangers operatives encountered a group of five armed suspects who immediately opened fire on the personnel.
“In line with the Rules of Engagement and in defense of lives and property, the Agro-Rangers team responded tactically, resulting in a gun duel that lasted for several minutes.
“Due to the superior firepower and professionalism displayed by the Agro-Rangers operatives during the encounter, one of the suspected kidnappers/bandits was neutralised at the scene, while two suspects were arrested alive.
“Two other suspects escaped into the surrounding forest with suspected gunshot injuries, and a manhunt is currently ongoing to apprehend them,” he said.
No casualty was recorded among NSCDC personnel during the operation.
Items recovered from the suspects include one (1) cartridge gun with live and spent ammunition shells, two (2) cutlasses, one (1) metal rod, and assorted charms.
Speaking further, he said the recovered exhibits and the two arrested suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Iseyin Divisional Headquarters, for further investigation and necessary legal procedures, in line with the statutory prosecutorial and jurisdictional powers of the police in kidnapping-related offenses. The corpse of the neutralised suspect has been deposited at the mortuary.
Meanwhile, NSCDC Agro-Rangers, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Amotekun Corps are currently conducting a joint manhunt to apprehend the two fleeing suspects.
The State Commandant, Commandant Augustine Padonu, commended the gallantry, professionalism, and prompt response of the Agro-Rangers operatives, reiterating that the strategic deployment of Agro-Rangers personnel across the Iseyin Axis and other parts of the state is part of the Command’s proactive security initiative aimed at ridding Oyo State of criminality and safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets.
Commandant Padonu further encouraged residents of Oyo State to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
He assured members of the public that the NSCDC, Oyo State Command, remains committed to sustaining operational collaborations with other security agencies in order to maintain peace, law, and order across the state.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
