The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children, arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered sophisticated firearms in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, said the operations reiterated the command’s resolve to tackle violent crime and safeguard lives and property through coordinated security efforts.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the two children were abducted on Friday, June 27, 2026, when armed hoodlums invaded Ebinpejo Village, via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area.

The attackers reportedly ransacked houses, assaulted residents and fled into the forest with the children.

Following a distress call, the Commissioner of Police directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to mobilise operatives in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters to launch an intensive bush-combing operation.

The statement said the joint security team, acting on credible intelligence and supported by technical resources, traced the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside the forest.

“On sighting the advancing security operatives, the hoodlums opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. The operatives responded professionally, overpowering the criminals and forcing them to flee in different directions,” the statement said.

One of the suspects, Umaru Usman, 25, who sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape, was arrested at the scene, while three mobile phones were recovered.

The police said another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, was arrested during a follow-up operation in the early hours of Saturday after he was found with gunshot wounds believed to have been sustained during the exchange of fire. He is currently receiving medical treatment in police custody.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, who was alleged to have provided logistical support to the kidnappers, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who reportedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.

The command said the four suspects were assisting investigators with useful information aimed at tracking down other members of the criminal syndicate.

The abducted children were rescued safely, given medical attention and reunited with their family after one of them received treatment for injuries sustained during captivity.

In a separate operation, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit recovered a cache of sophisticated weapons from the hideout of a suspected armed robbery syndicate in the Ajah area of Lagos State.

The operation followed intelligence gathered after the arrest of four robbery suspects earlier in June.

Although the suspected kingpin and other gang members escaped on sighting the police, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, a Magnum pump-action rifle, an English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges.

The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The command noted that the recovery of the weapons highlighted the dangerous capabilities of the criminal network and reaffirmed its determination to dismantle organised criminal groups through intelligence-driven policing.

It also commended the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters and members of the public for their support during the operations.

The police expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and continued support, assuring residents that investigations into both cases were ongoing and that all suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.