Law enforcement frees kidnapped female in Ondo, seizes car following shootout

n n

The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a 61-year-old woman, Mrs. Modupe Oladele, who was abducted by armed men in Owo, Owo Local Government Area, following a gun battle that also led to the recovery of her stolen vehicle.

n

The command said the operation was carried out after a swift response by its operatives under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu.

n

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the victim was abducted in the early hours of June 23, 2026, after armed hoodlums invaded her residence in Owo.

n

Jimoh said the assailants also stole her Toyota Matrix vehicle with registration number WWW-434-AG.

n

“At about 2:50 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, received a distress call reporting that a gang of armed men had forcefully broken into the residence of Mrs. Oladele and abducted her at gunpoint.

n

“The assailants also made away with her Toyota Matrix vehicle, bearing registration number WWW-434-AG,” the statement read.

n

He said the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised operatives, who launched a coordinated pursuit of the fleeing suspects.

n

“The police team intercepted the hoodlums around the outskirts and bush area of Ojana Phase 3, where an exchange of gunfire ensued.

n

“Overwhelmed by the superior tactical response and firepower of the police, the operatives successfully rescued the victim and recovered the stolen vehicle.

n

“The suspects fled into the surrounding bush, with some believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire,” Jimoh stated.

n

The police spokesperson said exhibits recovered from the scene included two expended cartridges, a sandal believed to have been abandoned by one of the fleeing suspects, and a torchlight.

n

He added that efforts had been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects, while the case had been transferred to the appropriate investigative unit for further investigation.

n

The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their gallantry and swift response, assuring residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

n

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support the police with timely and credible information on suspicious persons and activities to aid the fight against crime.

n n