The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
According to the statement, the first operation followed a distress call received on Friday, June 27, reporting that armed men had stormed Ebinpejo Village, via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly invaded homes, assaulted residents and abducted two children before fleeing into the forest.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the Divisional Police Officer in Lanlate to immediately launch a rescue mission in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The statement said intelligence gathered through technical support enabled the joint security team to trace the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside the forest. As security operatives approached the location, the suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a gun battle.
The operatives successfully overpowered the criminals, forcing them to flee in different directions. During the exchange, one suspect, Umaru Usman, 25, who sustained gunshot injuries while attempting to escape, was arrested. Three mobile phones were also recovered from the scene.
The police said another operation carried out in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, resulted in the arrest of a second suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28. He was also found with gunshot wounds believed to have been sustained during the earlier confrontation and was taken to hospital for treatment while remaining in police custody.
Investigations later led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu, 30, who was identified as a suspected local accomplice accused of providing logistical support to the kidnappers. Another suspect, Muhammed Ibrahim Shina, 29, was also arrested after investigators discovered he had allegedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction.
Police said the four suspects are providing investigators with useful information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the gang.
The abducted children were rescued alive and taken for medical examination. One of the victims sustained injuries during captivity but received treatment before both children were reunited with their family.
The Command said investigations into the kidnapping case are continuing.
In a separate operation, the police also recovered a cache of sophisticated weapons believed to belong to an armed robbery syndicate.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out by detectives attached to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit as a follow-up to an earlier operation announced on June 12, 2026, during which four robbery suspects were arrested and a locally made pistol recovered.
Fresh intelligence led operatives to a hideout in the Ajah area of Lagos State where a wanted robbery kingpin was reportedly staying with members of his gang.
Although the suspects escaped before they could be arrested, a thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns, a Magnum pump-action rifle, an English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges.
The police said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing kingpin and other members of the syndicate.
The Command noted that the recovery of the weapons highlights the level of threat posed by the criminal network while reaffirming its determination to dismantle organised crime through intelligence-driven policing and collaboration with other security agencies.
It also commended the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters and members of the public for their support, saying their cooperation contributed significantly to the success of the operations.
The Command further expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and continued support, assuring residents that protecting lives and property remains its top priority.
Police urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information, assuring that all reports would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly.