The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three suspected kidnappers during a joint security operation carried out in Otu, a community in the Oke-Ogun area of the state.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the operation was conducted in collaboration with local hunters and other security agencies after authorities received a distress report on May 25, 2026.
The police explained that local hunters who were on a hunting expedition in Otu reportedly came under attack from suspected kidnappers and immediately alerted security operatives. No casualty was recorded among the hunters during the initial attack.
Following the report, a combined security team was deployed to the area. On arrival, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the operatives, leading to a gun battle.
The command stated that the security team overpowered the criminals during the exchange, resulting in the death of three suspected kidnappers.
Police also disclosed that an abducted man identified as Mosudi Gbolagade, said to be around 50 years old, was rescued during the operation. He was reportedly kidnapped at Okaka and held captive in the Otu forest area.
The victim sustained gunshot injuries and was immediately taken for medical treatment.
Items recovered from the scene included an AK-47 rifle without ammunition, a single-barrel gun, and a machete.
The statement further revealed that one of the local hunters involved in the operation suffered gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery of the hunters and other security personnel who participated in the mission, reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state.
The latest operation comes amid growing security concerns in Oyo State following recent attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where dozens of pupils, students, and teachers were abducted by suspected terrorists. One teacher and assistant headmaster, Mr Adesiyan Adegboye, was killed during the attacks, while another abducted teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, was later murdered by the assailants.
Reports also indicated that the kidnappers recently opened communication channels with the Oyo State Government, although details of the discussions remain unclear.
