By Chimdiogo Amuh 

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 60-year-old man, Isiaku Saidu, who was abducted by suspected kidnappers in Iseyin Local Government Area of the state.

The command also confirmed the arrest of members of a three-man kidnapping syndicate and other murder suspects during separate security operations across the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the successes followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, ordering intensified efforts to protect lives and property in Oyo State.

According to Ayanlade, the police foiled a kidnapping operation on January 11, 2026, when about five armed hoodlums invaded Budo community via Bassi Camp in Iseyin and abducted Saidu.

He said upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police ordered an immediate rescue operation and the arrest of those responsible. Acting on the directive, the Divisional Police Officer in Ago-Are, alongside other security agencies, carried out aggressive patrols and bush-combing operations, leading to the discovery of the kidnappers’ hideout.

“On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. One suspect was neutralised, another arrested and is currently cooperating with the investigation, while others escaped with bullet wounds,” the police spokesperson stated.

The command urged members of the public to report anyone seen with gunshot injuries to the nearest police station.

In a related development, the police also rescued another kidnap victim, Hussinat Abubakar, who was abducted at Gelede Camp, Komu, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

Ayanlade said the victim was rescued without the payment of ransom following coordinated bush-combing operations by the Komu Divisional Police Officer and partner agencies.

Three suspects — Kari Ibrahim (22), Dure Jimoh (25), and Abubakar Sidi (55) — were arrested in connection with the crime and have reportedly confessed to their involvement.

The victim is currently receiving medical attention, while investigations are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate. Six expended cartridges were also recovered at the scene.

The police said the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.