POLICE ARREST SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER DURING N10M RANSOM COLLECTION IN OYO
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State has confirmed the arrest of a suspected kidnapper allegedly caught while attempting to collect a N10m ransom from relatives of an abducted victim in Otefon village, Atiba Local Government Area of the state.
According to the police, the victim, identified as Alhaji Bagudu, was kidnapped from his residence in Ilowa village last week and taken into the Otefon forest, where he was held captive pending payment of the ransom demanded by his abductors.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said operatives acted on credible intelligence received through members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Oyo.
He explained that on May 13, 2026, at about 1:00 a.m., intelligence reports indicated that a gang of suspected kidnappers had gathered inside the Otefon forest to receive ransom money from the victim’s relatives.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Olugbemiga Abimbola, directed operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in the Oyo/Iseyin axis, alongside local vigilantes, to storm the area in a coordinated rescue operation.
Police investigations revealed that about six armed men invaded Alhaji Bagudu’s residence on May 9, abducted him, and transported him to the forest hideout, where they demanded N10m for his release.
Ayanlade stated that security operatives first ensured the safe release of the victim before moving in on the suspects.
“Upon confirmation that the victim had regained his freedom unharmed, operatives advanced towards the scene to apprehend the hoodlums and prevent any further threat to life,” he said.
The police spokesperson added that intelligence gathering and technological tracking helped operatives pinpoint the exact location where the kidnappers assembled for the ransom collection.
However, the suspects reportedly opened fire on security operatives upon sighting them, leading to a gun duel.
“In the ensuing exchange, the suspects fled into the adjoining forest with varying degrees of suspected gunshot injuries, while one suspect identified as Mohammed Sanni was apprehended,” Ayanlade said.
The police also recovered a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, believed to have been used for the gang’s operations.
Other items recovered at the scene included a mobile phone, a pair of slippers, and a cap, all of which are currently undergoing forensic examination.
The police said the arrested suspect has made useful confessional statements, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
The command further appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and the arrest of the remaining suspects.
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