Police Rescue Two Abducted Children, Arrest Four Kidnap Suspects in Lanlate, Ibarapa East LG

…As Four suspects arrested as operatives recover assault weapons and ammunition in coordinated operations.

Oyo State Police Command has rescued two abducted children and arrested four suspected kidnappers in separate intelligence-led operations aimed at combating violent crime across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, saying the operations also led to the recovery of sophisticated firearms linked to an armed robbery syndicate.

According to the statement, armed men invaded Ebinpejo Village, via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, on Friday, June 27, where they reportedly attacked residents, ransacked houses and abducted two children.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to mobilise police operatives in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters for a coordinated bush-combing operation.

The command said intelligence gathered through technical support led the joint security team to the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside a forest. The suspects reportedly opened fire on sighting the operatives, resulting in a gun duel before they were overpowered and forced to flee.

One suspect, Umaru Usman, aged 25, was arrested with gunshot injuries sustained while attempting to escape, while three mobile phones were recovered from the scene.

A follow-up operation on Saturday led to the arrest of another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, who was also found with gunshot wounds believed to have been sustained during the exchange of fire.

Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, alleged to have provided logistical support to the kidnappers, and Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, who reportedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.

The police said all four suspects are assisting investigators with information to facilitate the arrest of other members of the criminal syndicate.

The abducted children were rescued safely, given medical attention, and reunited with their family. One of the victims reportedly sustained injuries during the ordeal but was treated before being discharged.

In another operation, the Command said operatives of its Violent Crime Response Unit recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms from the hideout of a wanted armed robbery kingpin in the Ajah area of Lagos State.

Although the suspects escaped before the arrival of the police, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, one Magnum pump-action rifle, one English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges.

The police described the recovery as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle organised criminal networks and prevent violent crimes.

The Command commended the support of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters and members of the public for their cooperation during the operations.

It also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continued support and strategic leadership, assuring residents that efforts to rid the state of criminal elements would continue.

The Police added that investigations into both cases are ongoing, while all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.