The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old kidnap victim, Sumaila Muhammadu, and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a gun battle along the Awe-Iwo Road axis.
The Command said the operation followed credible intelligence received on October 22, 2026, at about 5 p.m., that kidnappers who abducted a boy from Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area on October 18 were demanding ransom.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section (AKS) in collaboration with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria to move against the suspects.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka in a statement issued Sunday said the team mobilised to the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along Awe-Iwo Road where at about 9:30 p.m., the suspects opened fire on sighting the security team.
In the ensuing gun duel, the victim was rescued unhurt while one yet-to-be-identified suspected kidnapper was neutralised. Other gang members fled with suspected gunshot injuries.
Okayinka added that the neutralised suspect was taken to hospital where he was confirmed dead and his corpse deposited at the morgue. One Android phone and a cutlass were recovered at the scene.
He revealed that the Police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and urged residents around Awe-Iwo Road and adjoining communities to remain vigilant and report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds.
The Command also appealed to medical practitioners and hospitals to promptly report any patient seeking treatment for gunshot injuries linked to the incident.
It noted that residents can report through the nearest police station or via the Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line 615 and the Control Room lines 08081768614 and 07055495413.
The CP assured that the Command would sustain intelligence-led operations to dismantle kidnapping networks in the state.