Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have arrested a suspected kidnapper while allegedly attempting to collect a ₦10 million ransom from the family of an abducted victim in Otefon Village, Atiba Local Government Area of the state.
The victim, identified as Alhaji Bagudu, was reportedly kidnapped from his residence in Ilowa Village last week and taken into the Otefon forest, where his abductors demanded ransom for his release.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said intelligence provided by members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Oyo State helped security operatives foil the ransom collection.
According to him, information received around 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday revealed that suspected members of the kidnapping gang had assembled in the forest to collect the ransom from the victim’s relatives.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, reportedly ordered operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, in collaboration with local vigilantes, to launch a rescue and arrest operation in the area.
Police investigations revealed that about six armed men stormed the residence of the victim on May 9, 2026, abducted him and moved him into the forest while demanding ₦10 million for his freedom.
Ayanlade explained that security operatives first focused on ensuring the victim’s safe release before moving in on the suspects.
He said after confirming that the victim had regained freedom unharmed, officers advanced toward the kidnappers’ location. The suspects allegedly opened fire on sighting the operatives, leading to a gun battle.
During the exchange, one suspect identified as Mohammed Sanni was arrested, while others reportedly escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
Security operatives recovered a motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, a mobile phone, a pair of slippers and a cap from the scene. The items are currently undergoing forensic examination.
Police said the arrested suspect had provided useful information during interrogation, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members.
The command also urged residents to continue sharing credible information with security agencies to strengthen efforts against criminal activities in the state.
