Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The police have arrested three suspected kidnappers and rescued two abducted victims during a security operation in Isua-Akoko, Ondo State, in a major breakthrough against kidnapping and violent crime in the area.
The suspects, identified as Abdullahi Abubakar, Ibrahim Abubakar and Oseni Abubakar, were arrested following an operation that also led to the recovery of N1.5 million believed to be ransom proceeds.
Police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the operation was carried out by officers working alongside Amotekun personnel and local hunters after intelligence reports indicated that suspected kidnappers hiding in a forest along the Ifira-Idoani axis planned to come out to collect ransom.
According to the statement, security operatives launched a coordinated rescue mission and ambush operation deep inside the forest on September 11, 2026, positioning themselves strategically along the route linked to the suspects.
“At about 11.30 pm, the suspected kidnappers, numbering about four and armed with firearms, emerged from the forest. On sighting the security operatives, they opened fire, prompting the security team to tactically repel the attack and rescue the two victims, Mr. Owolabi Patrick and Asoto Dada, unhurt.”
The police said the operation resulted in the safe rescue of the victims, while three members of the suspected kidnapping gang were taken into custody.
Following their rescue, the victims visited the police station and identified the arrested suspects as those involved in their abduction.
The command also confirmed that a Bajaj motorcycle earlier recovered during investigations was linked to the kidnapping operation.
“A Bajaj motorcycle earlier recovered by the police has also been identified by the victims as being connected to the criminal operation. The motorcycle remains in police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.”
Police said the recovered N1.5 million and other exhibits would form part of the ongoing investigation aimed at dismantling the criminal network behind the kidnapping operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has directed that the case be transferred to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Akure for further investigation.
Jimoh said the transfer was ordered “with a view to uncovering the full network and bringing all those connected with the criminal operation to justice.”
The latest arrests and rescue operation highlight ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle kidnapping, rescue victims and disrupt criminal activities across Ondo State.
