Three suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun duel with operatives of the Oyo State Police Command and local hunters in Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state, while a 50-year-old abducted man, Mosudi Gbolagade, was rescued from captivity.
PUNCH Metro learnt that Gbolagade, who had earlier been kidnapped at Okaka in the same local government area, was held captive within the Otu community.
A statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, on Tuesday stated that the victim sustained gunshot injuries during the incident, but he is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The operation, according to the command, was initiated following a distress call received on Monday, May 25, from local hunters who had gone on a hunting expedition in Otu.
Ayanlade explained that the hunters came under gunfire attack by suspected kidnappers, but no casualties were recorded among them.
The command noted that it had rescued four passengers abducted along the Igbeti–Kishi Road in Irepo Local Government Area of the state in March 2026.
The command stated that the passengers were abducted when armed men emerged from a nearby bush and blocked the road, intercepting a commercial bus travelling from Igbeti to Kishi.
It will also be recalled that many teachers and students were kidnapped the penultimate Friday during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
However, the PPRO, in a statement, stressed that a response team comprising police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies was immediately mobilised to the scene in Otu.
Ayanlade added that upon arrival, the hoodlums opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel, adding that through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers.
The statement read, “As part of its ongoing operations to rid Oyo of violent crimes and other criminal elements threatening public safety, the state police command has recorded another major operational success with the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers and the successful rescue of an abducted victim during a coordinated security operation carried out at Otu in the Oke-Ogun axis in collaboration with local hunters and other security agencies.
“The operation was initiated following a distress call received on May 25, 2026, from local hunters who had gone on a hunting expedition in Otu and came under gunfire attack by suspected kidnappers. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded among the hunters.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence received, a response team comprising police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies was immediately mobilised to the scene at Otu.
“Upon arrival, the hoodlums opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel. However, through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers.
“Consequently, the operation also resulted in the successful rescue of an abducted victim, identified as Mr Mosudi Gbolagade, a male aged about 50 years, who had earlier been kidnapped at Okaka and held captive within the Otu area. Although the victim sustained gunshot injuries during the incident, he has been evacuated for urgent medical attention and is currently receiving treatment.
“In the course of the operation, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle without ammunition, one single-barreled gun, and one machete from the scene, further underscoring the violent intent of the criminal elements.
“Regrettably, one of the local hunters sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and was promptly rushed to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical care,” the statement stated.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, who commended the bravery and synergy displayed during the operation, also lauded the gallantry of the local hunters and other security stakeholders whose timely intervention significantly contributed to the success recorded.
The command, therefore, reiterated its unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements across the state and urged residents to remain vigilant by providing credible and timely information to security agencies.
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