Police save 15-year-old boy from kidnappers in Oyo

The Oyo State Police have rescued a 15-year-old boy named Sumaila Muhammadu, who was kidnapped. They also took down a suspected kidnapper during a security operation along the Awe, Iwo Road in the state.

A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital, was released on Sunday. The operation followed reliable information received by the command on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

Ayanlade explained that there was a shootout after the kidnappers fired at the security team when they approached. Despite the attack, the operatives managed to rescue the boy, while one suspected kidnapper was taken down.

Other members of the gang ran away in different directions and were believed to have gunshot injuries. The statement said, “The Oyo State Police Command has successfully rescued a 15-year-old kidnapping victim and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a coordinated security operation along the Awe, Iwo Road axis of Oyo State.

“The operation followed credible intelligence received by the Command on October 22, 2026, at about 1700 hours. This information indicated that suspected kidnappers were demanding ransom for the release of a victim abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area on 18th October 2026.

“When the intelligence was received, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, ordered operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section to work closely with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria to take action against the suspects and secure the victim’s release.

“The operatives moved to the Pipeline, Ajagba area along the Awe, Iwo Road, and advanced on the suspects’ location. At about 2130 hours, the operation led to a gun duel after the kidnappers opened fire. Despite the attack, the operatives successfully rescued the boy, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu. One yet-to-be-identified suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while others fled, likely injured.

“After the encounter, the neutralised suspect was taken to the hospital, where a doctor confirmed him dead. His body was later taken to the morgue,” the statement said.

The command emphasized its commitment to fighting kidnapping and other violent crimes using intelligence-led policing.

During the operation, the police also recovered one Android phone and a cutlass. These items will be part of the ongoing investigation.

The statement added, “Since the fleeing suspects may have gunshot injuries, we urge residents, especially those living around the Awe, Iwo Road and nearby communities, to stay alert. Report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds to the Police.

“Such information could help in locating the fleeing suspects and preventing more crimes.”

The Police also asked medical professionals and hospital workers to inform them about anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds that might be linked to this case.

“Reports can be made at the nearest police station or through the command’s communication channels, with the assurance that credible information will aid our efforts to catch the fleeing suspects.

The CP reassured residents that the command will continue with intelligence-led operations and strengthen partnerships with other security groups to dismantle criminal networks and stop kidnappings in the state.

He also encouraged the public to keep supporting the Police with timely and reliable information, saying that public cooperation is key to achieving lasting security.