The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two persons abducted by suspected kidnappers in Oorelope Local Government Area of the state and neutralised one of the suspects during a joint security operation.

The command said the operation followed the abduction of three men at Gaa Alhaji, Gbonkan, via Ipapo, on June 29, 2026.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the gunmen invaded the settlement at about 8:30 p.m., firing sporadically before abducting Alhaji Usman Abubakar, Aliu Usman and Saliu Abubakar.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ipapo to coordinate a joint rescue operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and local hunters.

Ayanlade said the joint security team carried out a forensic examination of the crime scene before launching an intelligence-driven search across nearby forests and adjoining communities.

The operation, he said, led security operatives to the kidnappers’ hideout, where the suspects reportedly opened fire on the advancing team, resulting in a gun battle.

During the exchange, one suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
One member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria sustained injuries during the operation and is receiving medical treatment.

The police spokesman said the sustained offensive resulted in the rescue of two of the abducted victims.

He disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was taken to hospital for treatment, while the second victim also received medical attention following the ordeal.

According to him, the third victim became separated from the others after reportedly fleeing in a different direction during the gun battle.

“The victim is believed to be safe, while intensive search efforts are ongoing to locate and reunite him with his family,” he said.
The command added that security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.

Commending the personnel involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Olugbenga praised the collaboration among the police, Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and local hunters, describing it as instrumental to the success of the rescue operation.

He assured residents that the operation would continue until the remaining victim is found and all members of the criminal gang are apprehended.

The commissioner also appealed to residents of Ipapo, Gbonkan and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information.

He urged members of the public to promptly report anyone presenting with suspicious gunshot wounds or seeking medical treatment under questionable circumstances, assuring that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.