Oyo State Police rescue two kidnapping victims and neutralise suspect in joint operation

On June 29, 2026, armed men abducted three men—Alhaji Usman Abubakar, Aliu Usman and Saliu Abubakar—from Gaa Alhaji, Gbonkan via Ipapo in Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State. The Oyo State Police Command, led by Commissioner Abimbola Olugbenga, launched a joint security operation with the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and local hunters.

Security operatives tracked the kidnappers to a forest hideout, leading to a gun battle. One suspected kidnapper was killed, others fled with gunshot wounds, and a vigilante was injured. Two of the abducted men were rescued; one suffered a non‑life‑threatening gunshot wound and was taken to hospital, while the third victim is believed to be safe after separating from the others during the exchange.

Police announced that intensive search efforts continue to locate the remaining suspect(s) and the third victim, urging residents to report any suspicious injuries. The operation was presented as a demonstration of coordinated effort to protect lives and property in Oyo State.