The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that three suspected kidnappers were killed during a joint security operation in Otu, located in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command disclosed that the operation followed a distress call received on May 25, 2026, from local hunters who reportedly came under attack from suspected kidnappers while on a hunting expedition in Otu.
According to the police, the hunters escaped the initial attack without casualties and immediately alerted security authorities.
A combined response team made up of police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies was subsequently deployed to the area.
The statement explained that upon arrival, the operatives encountered the armed suspects, who allegedly opened fire on the security team, leading to a gun battle.
Police authorities said the operatives successfully overpowered the suspects during the exchange, resulting in the killing of three alleged kidnappers.
The operation also led to the rescue of an abducted victim identified as Mosudi Gbolagade, said to be about 50 years old. He was reportedly kidnapped in Okaka and held captive in the Otu axis before his rescue.
However, the victim sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Security personnel also reportedly recovered one AK-47 rifle without ammunition, a single-barrel gun, and a machete from the scene.
The police further disclosed that one of the local hunters involved in the operation was shot during the exchange of gunfire and is currently receiving medical attention.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State commended the bravery of the local hunters and security operatives who participated in the mission, reaffirming the command’s commitment to intensified operations against criminal elements across the state.
The latest development comes amid heightened security concerns in the state following the May 15 attacks on schools in Esiele, Yamota, and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area, where gunmen abducted dozens of pupils, students, and teachers and reportedly killed assistant headmaster Mr Adesiyan Adegboye.
The situation further escalated after videos surfaced showing kidnapped teachers appealing for help, while another abducted teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by his captors.
Sources familiar with the situation claimed the attackers insisted on speaking only with the state governor regarding negotiations, although it remains unclear whether any breakthrough has been achieved.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
