The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old boy abducted in Akinyele Local Government Area and neutralised one suspected kidnapper during a security operation along the Awe–Iwo Road axis of the state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who said the operation followed intelligence received on October 22, 2026, that kidnappers were demanding ransom for the victim’s release.
The victim was reportedly abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele LGA on October 18.
Following the intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section to launch an operation in collaboration with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
The security team subsequently moved to the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road, where they located the kidnappers. At about 9:30 p.m., the operation resulted in a gunfight after the suspects opened fire on the advancing operatives.
The operatives successfully rescued the victim, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, 15, while one unidentified kidnapper was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire.
Other members of the gang escaped in different directions with gunshot injuries.
According to the statement, the neutralised suspect was taken to a hospital, where a doctor confirmed him dead. His remains were subsequently deposited in a morgue.
The police also recovered an Android mobile phone and a cutlass at the scene, which have been retained as exhibits for further investigation.
Following the incident, the Command urged residents, particularly those living around the Awe–Iwo Road corridor and neighbouring communities, to remain vigilant and report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station.
Medical practitioners, hospital administrators and other healthcare workers were also advised to promptly notify the police of anyone seeking treatment for gunshot injuries suspected to be connected to the incident.
The Command said timely and credible information from residents and healthcare providers would assist efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities.
Reaffirming the police commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, CP Olugbenga assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led operations and strengthen collaboration with other security stakeholders to dismantle criminal networks across the state.
He urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with useful information to enhance security and protect lives and property.
Residents can report emergencies through the Oyo State Call Response Centre’s toll-free line, 615, or contact the Oyo State Police Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.
