Oyo State Police Command on Thursday confirmed the arrest of a suspected kidnapper while trying to collect ₦10m ransom as demanded from the relatives of the victim at Otefon village in Atiba local government area of Oyo state.
The Nation reports that the victim, identified as Alhaji Bagudu, was abducted at his residence in Ilowa village last week.
He was later whisked away to Otefon Forest, where he was kept till the ransom demanded for was paid.
However, luck ran against them as they were rounded off by the security operatives after being alerted by the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
Confirming the arrest, the Spokesman of the Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said, “On Wednesday, 13th May 2026, at about 0100HRS, credible intelligence was received through operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Oyo, indicating that a gang of suspected kidnappers had assembled at Otefon Village Forest to collect ransom from relatives of a kidnapped victim.
“Upon receipt of the intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga immediately directed operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) Oyo/Iseyin axis, in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to move into the area with a view to rescuing the victim and apprehending the criminal elements responsible for the abduction.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang, consisting of about six armed men, had on 9th May 2026 invaded the residence of one Alhaji Bagudu ‘M’ of Ilowa Village, Atiba Local Government Area, Oyo State, abducted him and subsequently taken him into the Otefon Forest. The abductors were said to have demanded the sum of Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000:00) as ransom for his release.
“In a carefully coordinated joint operation, security operatives strategically prioritized the safe release of the victim before making tactical moves against the suspected kidnappers.
“Upon confirmation that the victim had regained his freedom unharmed, operatives advanced towards the scene to apprehend the hoodlums and prevent any further threat to life.
“Leveraging on robust intelligence gathering and technological tools, security operatives successfully identified the exact location where the suspected kidnappers had assembled and strategically laid ambush for the criminal elements.
“Upon the arrival of the individual conveying the alleged ransom and subsequent confirmation of the victim’s safe release, operatives from the Police and other collaborating security outfits approached the scene.
“However, on sighting the advancing security team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. In the ensuing exchange, the suspects fled into the adjoining forest with varying degrees of suspected gunshot injuries while one suspect identified as Mohammed Sanni ‘M’ was apprehended.
“Also recovered during the operation was a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY believed to have been used for the gang’s logistics and operations.
“Other items recovered from the scene include one small mobile phone, a pair of slippers and a cap. All currently undergoing forensic examination
“The suspect is currently in custody and has made useful confessional statements regarding his role and involvement within the criminal syndicate. Meanwhile, concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and bring them to justice.
“The Command hereby urges members of the public with credible and timely information capable of aiding ongoing investigations or leading to the arrest of the fleeing suspects to promptly report same to the nearest Police Station or any security post closest to them. Furthermore, members of the public are advised to immediately report any individual seen with suspicious bullet wounds or injuries to the Police for necessary action.
“This successful operation further buttresses the Command’s continuous appeal for credible intelligence sharing, cooperation and collaboration between the Police and members of the public.
“The Oyo State Police Command therefore encourages residents to sustain their support and partnership with security agencies towards ensuring improved security architecture and more efficient service delivery across the State”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
