The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two children abducted in Ebinpejo Village, via Lanlate, in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of the state and arrested four suspects linked to the crime.
The command described the operation as part of its sustained efforts to combat violent crime, rescue victims and enhance the safety and security of residents across Oyo State.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the command received a distress call on Friday, June 27, 2026, reporting that armed hoodlums had invaded Ebinpejo Village.
According to him, the attackers ransacked several homes, assaulted residents and abducted two children before fleeing the area.
He said the police immediately launched an operation that led to the successful rescue of the victims and the arrest of four suspects in connection with the abduction, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang.
“Following the report, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Lanlate, to mobilise operatives in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, and hunters to commence an intensive bush-combing operation aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators.
“Acting on credible intelligence, supported by technical resources and coordinated field operations, the joint security team successfully traced the abductors’ hideout deep within the forest. On sighting the advancing security team, the hoodlums opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. The operatives responded professionally, overpowering the criminals and forcing them to flee in different directions.
“During the operation, one suspect, Umaru Usman (25), sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and was apprehended. Three mobile phones were recovered at the scene.
“In a follow-up operation conducted in the early hours of Saturday, 28th June, 2026, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed (28), was arrested. He was found to have sustained gunshot wounds believed to have been inflicted during the exchange of fire with the joint security team. He was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.
“Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu (30), identified as a local collaborator who allegedly provided logistical support to the criminal syndicate. Operatives also arrested Muhammed Ibrahim Shina (29), who reportedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction operation.
“The four suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network.
“The two abducted children were rescued safely and promptly taken for medical attention. One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but received treatment before both children were successfully reunited with their family.
“Also, in a separate operation, and as a follow-up to the Command’s press release of 12th June, 2026, in which four suspects were arrested and a locally made pistol recovered, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, acting on credible intelligence, carried out an operation on Friday, 27th June, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m.
“The intelligence revealed that a wanted armed robbery kingpin, believed to be in possession of an English-made pistol, was hiding in the Ajah area of Lagos State alongside members of his criminal syndicate.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects fled the scene and escaped arrest. However, a comprehensive search of the hideout led to the recovery of the following exhibits: two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns with serial numbers T3586 and 0217/2011, one Magnum pump-action rifle with serial number S&W357, one English-made revolver pistol; and thirty-six (36) live cartridges.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing kingpin and other members of the criminal syndicate.
“The recovery of these sophisticated firearms underscores the dangerous capability of the criminal network and demonstrates the Command’s resolve to proactively prevent violent crimes and dismantle organised criminal groups.
“These operational successes reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the Oyo State Police Command to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led policing, prompt operational response, and effective inter-agency collaboration.
“The Command acknowledges the invaluable support of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters, and members of the public whose cooperation contributed significantly to the success of these operations.
“The Oyo State Police Command also expresses profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, for his exemplary leadership, strategic guidance, and continued support, which have strengthened policing operations across the country.
“The Command reassures residents that their safety remains its utmost priority and urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible, and actionable information to the Police and other security agencies. All information received will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality and acted upon promptly. Investigations into both cases are ongoing, and all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”