The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two children who were abducted during an attack on Ebinpejo Village, via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, and arrested four suspects linked to the crime.
The children were reportedly kidnapped on Friday, June 26, when suspected armed bandits stormed the community, ransacked homes, assaulted residents, and fled with the victims.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately ordered the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to launch a rescue operation.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with operatives of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, and hunters, who combed nearby forests in search of the abducted children and their captors.
Acting on credible intelligence and supported by technical resources, the joint security team traced the suspected kidnappers' hideout deep inside the forest.
Police said the suspects opened fire after sighting the advancing security operatives, leading to a gun battle.
The security team responded, overpowering the criminals and forcing them to flee in different directions.
During the operation, one of the suspects, identified as Umaru Usman, 25, sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and was arrested. Three mobile phones were also recovered from the scene.
In a follow-up operation conducted in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, was apprehended.
Police said he was found with gunshot injuries believed to have been sustained during the exchange of fire with the joint security team. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, who was allegedly identified as a local collaborator that provided logistical support to the kidnapping syndicate.
Another suspect, Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, was also arrested. Investigators alleged that he travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction operation.
DSP Olayinka said the four suspects are assisting investigators with information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the criminal network.
He added that the two abducted children were rescued safely and taken for medical evaluation.
While one of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal, police confirmed that both children received medical treatment and have since been reunited with their family.
The Oyo State Police Command said investigations are ongoing and assured residents that further updates would be provided as the case progresses.