By Ekunkonye Junior
Abuja
The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children and arrested four suspected kidnappers following a coordinated raid in the Lanlate area of Ibarapa East Local Government Area. The operation was confirmed on Monday in a statement issued in Ibadan by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade.
According to DSP Ayanlade, armed hoodlums invaded Ebinpejo village, via Lanlate, where they ransacked houses, assaulted residents, and abducted two children. The attack prompted immediate security response after a formal report was lodged.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the Divisional Police Officer, Lanlate, to mobilize operatives. The team worked in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, and hunters to commence an intensive bush-combing operation to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
“”Acting on credible intelligence, supported by technical resources and coordinated field operations, the joint security team successfully traced the abductors’ hideout deep within the forest,” DSP Ayanlade said. On sighting the advancing team, the hoodlums opened fire, leading to a gun duel.
The police spokesperson added that the operatives responded professionally, overpowered the criminals, and forced them to flee. During the exchange, one suspect, 25-year-old Umaru Usman, sustained gunshot wounds while trying to escape and was apprehended at the scene, where three mobile phones were also recovered.
In a follow-up operation in the early hours of Saturday, 28th June, 2026, another suspect, 28-year-old Abdullahi Ahmed, was arrested. He was found with gunshot injuries believed to have been sustained during the forest shootout. He was taken to hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, identified as a local collaborator who allegedly provided logistical support to the syndicate. Operatives also arrested Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who reportedly traveled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.
DSP Ayanlade confirmed that the two abducted children were rescued safely and taken for medical attention. One of the victims had sustained injuries during the ordeal but was treated before both children were reunited with their family. He said the four suspects are assisting investigators to track other members of the network, and that investigations are ongoing with further updates to follow.
