Police rescue kidnap victim in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has successfully rescued a kidnapped victim following a coordinated and intelligence-driven operation.

The command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, in a statement on Monday, said that the victim was rescued following information received at Ojongbodu Division, which indicated that hoodlums had invaded a community in the Oyo area, abducted a male victim, and also carted away mobile phones and two motorcycles.

Ayanlade said that upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer promptly mobilised a combined team of police operatives alongside members of the Amotekun Corps, vigilantes, and local hunters.

According to him, the team consequently embarked on an intensive and sustained combing of surrounding bushes and identified escape routes, with the operation further reinforced by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, adding that geolocation tracking and other intelligence-gathering strategies were deployed to enhance the effectiveness of the rescue effort and ensure swift response.

“As a result of the sustained operational pressure mounted on the criminals, the abductors became disoriented and incapacitated, thereby creating an opportunity for the victim to escape unhurt. Accordingly, the victim has since been safely reunited with his family and has been debriefed by the police to aid the ongoing investigation,” Ayanlade said.

The command’s spokesperson reassured members of the public of the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the state, adding that robust measures had been put in place to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

“In view of the foregoing, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to reassure members of the public that the command remains fully committed to the safety and security of all residents. Robust measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, including intensified patrols, strategic deployments, and continued collaboration with other security stakeholders.

“Residents are therefore encouraged to go about their lawful activities without fear, as the security architecture within the state remains proactive and responsive,” Ayanlade said.

Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while the investigation continues.

The command further urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information, as community cooperation remains a critical component in the ongoing fight against crime.

“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” Ayanlade said.

Recall that on Monday, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad of the Delta State Police Command dismantled a suspected kidnapper’s hideout and rescued a 27-year-old woman, alongside other victims, in the forest located between Ibusa and Ogwashi-Uku.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Bright Edafe, said the rescue operation followed intelligence reports regarding the abduction of the woman, whose identity was withheld, from Ibusa Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.