The Oyo State Police Command has announced that its officers, working alongside local hunters and other security forces, successfully neutralized three suspected kidnappers and freed an abducted individual during a security mission in Otu, located in the Oke-Ogun area of the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, it was revealed that the operation was initiated in response to an emergency call received on May 25, 2026. Local hunters had reported coming under gunfire from suspected kidnappers while on a hunting trip in Otu.
The police confirmed that none of the hunters were harmed during the initial assault.
“Based on the intelligence received, a response team made up of police personnel, local hunters, and other security agencies was quickly deployed to the scene in Otu,” the statement read.
It further noted that upon arrival, the suspected kidnappers opened fire on the security team, sparking a shootout.
“Through superior tactical maneuvers and coordinated teamwork, the criminals were effectively subdued, resulting in the neutralization of three suspected kidnappers,” the command stated.
The police also reported that the operation led to the rescue of an abducted victim, identified as Mosudi Gbolagade, approximately 50 years old. He had allegedly been kidnapped in Okaka and held captive in the Otu area.
According to the statement, the victim suffered gunshot wounds during the incident and was taken to a medical facility for care.
Security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle without ammunition, a single-barrel gun, and a machete from the location, the police added.
The command also confirmed that one of the local hunters was injured by gunfire during the exchange and is currently receiving hospital treatment.
Commending the operation, the state Commissioner of Police praised the courage of the local hunters and other security partners involved in the rescue effort.
“The Command reiterates its steadfast commitment to maintaining aggressive operations against criminal elements throughout the state and calls on residents to stay alert and provide credible, timely information to security agencies,” the statement concluded.
This incident occurs amid rising unease in Oyo State following attacks on three schools on May 15, 2026, in the communities of Esiele, Yamota, and Alawusa within Oriire Local Government Area. During those attacks, suspected terrorists abducted over 40 pupils, students, and teachers, and killed an assistant headmaster named Mr. Adesiyan Adegboye.
Days later, the perpetrators released videos showing two of the abducted teachers pleading for rescue and government intervention.
The attackers also killed an abducted mathematics teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, whose beheading was depicted in another video.
Saturday PUNCH reported on May 23 that the suspected terrorists had established communication with the state government.
According to two sources, the criminals refused to engage directly with the victims’ families.
“They said they only want to speak with the governor and no one else. That was the condition they set for negotiations. So, no one knows the details or what they are demanding,” one source stated.
It remains unclear whether the negotiation is being handled directly by the governor, a state government representative, or whether any positive outcome has been achieved as of the time of this report.