The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspected kidnappers and the recovery of firearms during a coordinated security operation across parts of the state, in what authorities described as a major stride in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, characterising the development as a significant breakthrough in the Command’s sustained crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes.
According to the statement, the arrests followed a series of intelligence-driven operations conducted in collaboration with non-state security outfits, underscoring what the Command described as a strengthened synergy between conventional law enforcement and community-based security structures.
Olayinka identified one of the suspects as 22-year-old Aliu Umaru of Komu Village, who had earlier been declared wanted in connection with the abduction of Huseinat Abubakar, 25, from Gelede Camp via Komu.
“The suspect was apprehended after credible intelligence linked him to the kidnapping incident. Upon interrogation, he confessed to his involvement in the crime,” the statement read.
The police spokesman added that Umaru subsequently led operatives to the arrest of two other alleged members of the kidnapping syndicate — Gure Wadi, 60, and Ibrahim Yobo, 35 — both residents of Komu Village.
A search conducted at the residence of one of the suspects led to the recovery of a single-barrel gun and a dane gun, which the police alleged were used in perpetrating the kidnapping.
Olayinka said the recovery of the firearms further strengthened the evidentiary basis of the case and provided critical leads for ongoing investigations aimed at identifying the broader operational network of the syndicate.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Femi Haruna, commended the operatives involved in the operation and reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against kidnapping and related offences.
He directed that efforts be intensified to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, assuring that all suspects connected to the case would be subjected to diligent investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
“The Command remains resolute in its determination to rid Oyo State of criminal elements. No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes face the full weight of the law,” the statement quoted the Commissioner as saying.
The police further disclosed that investigations were ongoing to uncover additional accomplices and possible arms supply channels linked to the suspects. Upon conclusion of investigations, all those found culpable would be charged to court.
Reassuring residents of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the Command urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, noting that community cooperation remains a critical component in sustaining gains recorded in the fight against insecurity across the state.
