Police save kidnapped herder, seize N2.2m ransom in Osun

The Osun State Police has rescued a 50-year-old herder who was kidnapped. They found N2.22 million in ransom and arrested a suspected kidnapper after a shootout with the abductors.

The Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Gotan, shared this news during a press conference on Wednesday. He spoke through the Command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi.

Gotan reported that the victim, Haruna Yusuf, was rescued without any injuries in a smart operation led by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit.

He explained, “On 9th July 2026, the Command got a tip that one Haruna Yusuf, a 50-year-old Fulani herder living in a remote area near Wasinmi Village along Gbongan/Ife Ibadan road had been kidnapped by four suspected abductors.”

The police commissioner said that officers, along with local vigilantes, quickly began searching for the victim. The case was later handed over to the VCRU’s anti-kidnapping team for detailed investigation.

“On 12th July 2026, the VCRU operatives carried out an operation based on intelligence. They closely monitored the ransom payment to a drop-off point at Majeroku Area along the Ibadan, Ife Expressway.

“The team successfully rescued the victim without harm. When the kidnappers saw the operatives, they opened fire. The police returned fire, leading to a gun battle. Some of the suspected kidnappers were injured, one was arrested, while the others ran away,” Gotan added.

He mentioned that the injured suspect, identified as Usman Aliyu, 40, was taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital for treatment.

The Commissioner also said that N2,217,800 believed to be ransom money was recovered at the scene.

“The sum of Two million, two hundred and seventeen thousand, eight hundred naira (N2,217,800) was found at the scene as ransom proceeds.

“Efforts are still ongoing to catch the other members of the kidnapping gang who have been causing trouble in that area,” he said.