A suspected member of a kidnapping gang has been arrested while attempting to collect a N10 million ransom from the relatives of a victim in Otefon village, Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victim, identified as Alhaji Bagudu, was abducted from his residence in Ilowa village last week and reportedly taken to the Otefon forest by the kidnappers.
The spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, May 14, 2026. He said other members of the gang escaped into a nearby forest with suspected gunshot wounds following a gun battle with operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
According to the statement, one suspect, Mohammed Sanni, was apprehended during the operation and has since provided useful information regarding the activities of the criminal gang.
Police operatives also recovered a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, believed to have been used by the kidnappers for logistics and operations. Other items recovered include a small mobile phone, a pair of slippers, and a cap, all of which are currently undergoing forensic examination.
Ayanlade explained that security operatives received credible intelligence in the early hours of Wednesday, May 13, 2026, that suspected kidnappers had gathered in Otefon forest to collect ransom from the victim’s family.
Following the intelligence report, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbemiga Abimbola, directed operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in the Oyo/Iseyin axis, alongside members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to launch a rescue operation and apprehend those behind the abduction.
Preliminary investigations revealed that about six armed men invaded Alhaji Bagudu’s residence on May 9, 2026, abducted him, and later demanded N10 million for his release.
The police said the joint security team carefully prioritised the safe release of the victim before moving in to arrest the suspects. After confirming that the victim had regained his freedom unharmed, operatives advanced towards the kidnappers’ hideout.
Using intelligence gathering and technological support, the operatives identified the exact location where the suspects had assembled and laid an ambush. However, upon sighting the security team, the kidnappers reportedly opened fire, leading to a gun duel.
While several suspects escaped into the forest with suspected injuries, Mohammed Sanni was arrested at the scene.
The police added that investigations are ongoing and efforts are being intensified to track down the fleeing members of the gang and bring them to justice.
The command also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations or lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects.
