The Oyo State Police Command has stated that its officers, in coordination with local hunters and other security agencies, killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted victim during a security operation in Otu, located in the state’s Oke-Ogun axis.
The command confirmed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
According to the announcement, the operation was launched in response to a distress call received on May 25, 2026, from local hunters who were purportedly shot at by suspected kidnappers while on a hunting expedition in Otu.
The police reported no casualties among the hunters during the initial attack.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence received, a response team comprising police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies was immediately mobilised to the scene at Otu,” the statement stated.
According to the report, when the security squad arrived, the alleged kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a gunfight.
“Through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers,” the commander said.
The police also stated that the operation resulted in the rescue of an abducted victim, Mosudi Gbolagade, aged around 50, who was allegedly kidnapped in Okaka and held captive in the Otu area.
According to the statement, the victim was shot during the event and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The police also reported that security personnel discovered one AK-47 rifle without ammo, one single-barreled gun, and a machete at the scene.
The leadership also reported that one of the local hunters was shot during the exchange of fire and is presently being treated at a hospital.
The state’s Commissioner of Police commended the operation and lauded the bravery of local hunters and other security players involved in the rescue mission.
“The Command therefore reiterates its unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements across the state and urges residents to remain vigilant by providing credible and timely information to security agencies,” the statement continued.
The latest development comes amid rising tensions in Oyo State following attacks on three schools on May 15, 2026, in the Esiele, Yamota, and Alawusa communities of Oriire Local Government Area, in which suspected terrorists kidnapped over 40 pupils, students, and teachers and killed an assistant headmaster named Mr Adesiyan Adegboye.
Days later, the perpetrators published footage of two of the kidnapped teachers appealing for help and government involvement.
The attackers also killed an abducted mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, whose beheading was captured on tape.
Two reports reported that the hoodlums declined to talk directly with the victims’ relatives.
“They stated they only want to speak with the governor and no one else. So no one knows the specifics or what they are requesting,” a source added.
However, it was unclear whether the negotiation was being handled directly by the governor or a representative of the state government, or whether any positive results had been achieved as of the time of submitting this report.