Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper in Oyo, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Major Operation
The Oyo State Police Command has successfully arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation in the state. This significant breakthrough follows credible information from a member of the public, who alerted security agencies to the presence of three armed men allegedly operating around forests and farmlands in the Ikoyi-Ile area.
Intelligence-Led Operation Leads to Arrest
Acting on the tip-off, a joint security team led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ikoyi-Ile Division mobilized to the location and carried out a thorough combing of the surrounding bushes. The operation resulted in the arrest of one suspect, identified as Muhammadu Abubakar. Items recovered from him include an AK-47 rifle with breach number 6628/2274, six rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and three live cartridges.
Police authorities have described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb violent crimes, particularly kidnapping, in Oyo State. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in a series of kidnapping operations along the Ogbomoso–Ikoyi-Ile axis. He is also said to have links to cross-border criminal activities across state lines and had been on the Command's watchlist prior to his capture.
Further Investigation and Manhunt Launched
The Commissioner of Police (SCID), Abimbola Olugbenga, has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. Meanwhile, security operatives have launched a manhunt for other members of the gang who remain at large, intensifying efforts to dismantle the criminal network.
Separate Fire Incident in Ibadan
In a related development, firefighters rescued nine persons from a fire outbreak at a private residential building along Ajibode in Ibadan. The incident affected a four-bedroom flat, causing panic among residents before emergency responders arrived. Sources indicated that the victims, who sustained injuries and distress, were promptly attended to by emergency officials and rushed to Oyo Mesi Specialist Hospital for proper medical treatment.
Additionally, the fire service in the state recovered one body from the scene of a road accident in Ibadan, highlighting the multifaceted challenges faced by emergency services in the region. These incidents underscore the ongoing efforts by security and emergency agencies to maintain public safety and respond to crises across Oyo State.
