The Oyo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against violent crime, foiling an attempted robbery attack in Iseyin and rescuing an abducted farmer in the Irawo area of the state.
The command said one robbery suspect was killed, two others arrested, while four suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of a farmer were also apprehended.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the attempted robbery occurred around 2 am along Saki Road in Iseyin following credible intelligence about an ongoing attack at a residence previously targeted in February.
According to him, detectives were immediately deployed to the scene, where it was discovered that about five armed men had invaded the residence.
“The resident security guard engaged the attackers in a gun duel, leading to the killing of one suspect and the arrest of two others, while other gang members escaped with suspected gunshot injuries,” the statement said.
The police said items recovered from the suspects included a locally made cut-to-size gun, one expended cartridge, one live cartridge, five mobile phones, two power banks and cash suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.
Ayanlade added that one of the victims of an earlier robbery incident in the area positively identified the suspects as members of the gang that attacked his residence on April 13, 2026.
He said investigations had been intensified to determine the suspects’ involvement in other robbery operations within and outside the area, noting that the case had been transferred to the Command Monitoring Unit for further investigation.
In a related development, the command also confirmed the rescue of a farmer, Quadri Oloriegbe, who was abducted on April 29, 2026, at Olopoto Village via Abugbudu in the Irawo area of Oyo State.
The police said the victim was kidnapped by five armed men who stormed the community and fired gunshots before taking him to an unknown location.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, ordered a coordinated rescue operation involving police tactical teams, Agbekoya operatives, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes and local hunters.
The command said sustained bush-combing operations and intelligence-led surveillance led to the arrest of a suspect, Umaru Bokolo, whose confession provided useful information that aided the rescue mission.
“The victim was eventually rescued on May 5, 2026, and taken for medical evaluation before reuniting with his family,” the statement added.
Police said further operations led to the arrest of three additional suspects identified as Zada Abubakar, Husein Rabiu and Abubakar Mohammed in connection with the abduction.
According to the command, the suspects will be transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for further investigation and prosecution.
Abimbola commended security operatives and local security outfits involved in both operations and urged residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with timely and credible information.
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