A suspected kidnapper has been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command while allegedly trying to collect a ₦10 million ransom from the family of an abducted victim in Otefon Village, Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victim, identified as Alhaji Bagudu, was reportedly kidnapped from his home in Ilowa Village on May 9 and taken to Otefon forest, where he was held captive by armed men who demanded ₦10 million for his release.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, the arrest followed credible intelligence provided by the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, which alerted security operatives that the kidnappers had gathered in the forest to collect the ransom from the victim’s relatives.
Acting on the tip-off, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, deployed operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad alongside local vigilante members for a rescue mission.Police said the team first ensured the safe release of the victim before moving in to arrest the suspects.
However, the operation turned violent when the gang allegedly opened fire on security personnel, leading to a gun battle.
During the exchange, one suspect, identified as Mohammed Sanni, was arrested, while other members of the gang escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.Items recovered at the scene include a motorcycle, a mobile phone, a pair of slippers, and a cap. Police said the exhibits are currently undergoing forensic examination.
The command added that the suspect has made confessional statements, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing gang members.
Residents were also urged to continue sharing timely information with security agencies to support efforts against crime.