Oyo State Police Bust Kidnap Syndicate, Arrest Key Suspect in Oyo, Seize Rifle
…Intelligence-led operation foils gang activities as manhunt begins for fleeing accomplices
…As Suspect arrested in forest raid after tip-off, linked to multiple kidnappings
Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a coordinated intelligence-led operation in the state.
The arrest followed a tip-off from a member of the public who reported the movement of three armed men around forests and farmlands in the Ikoyi-Ile area.
This was disclosed by the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ayanlade Olayinka to the Newsmen after the arrest.
According to the statement, while acting on the information, a joint team of security operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Ikoyi-Ile Division carried out a search operation in the area.
The exercise led to the arrest of one suspect, identified as Muhammadu Abubakar.
The Police authorities revealed that an AK-47 rifle with breach number 6628/2274, six rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and three cartridges were recovered from the suspect.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in a series of kidnapping operations along the Ogbomoso–Ikoyi-Ile axis.
He is also said to be linked to cross-border criminal activities and had been on the command’s watchlist.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, has ordered the transfer of the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, while a manhunt has been launched for other members of the gang.
The police boss commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication, noting that the success highlights the importance of intelligence-led policing.
He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, for his support and strategic leadership in enhancing security operations across commands.
The Command urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime.
The police reassured the public of their commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
