Police foil N10m ransom deal, arrest suspected kidnapper in Oyo

Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have arrested a suspected kidnapper while allegedly attempting to collect a N10 million ransom for the release of an abducted victim in Atiba Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect, identified as Mohammed Sanni, was apprehended during a joint operation involving the police Anti-Kidnapping Squad and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.

Police authorities said the operation followed intelligence reports indicating that suspected kidnappers had assembled in Otefon forest to receive ransom from relatives of a victim, Alhaji Bagudu, who was abducted last week.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the victim was kidnapped from his residence in Ilowa Village on May 9 by about six armed men who later moved him into the forest and demanded N10 million for his release.

Ayanlade said the Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, ordered an immediate rescue operation after receiving intelligence from local vigilantes.

He explained that security operatives first ensured the safe release of the victim before moving against the suspected kidnappers at the ransom collection point.

“Upon confirmation that the victim had regained his freedom unharmed, operatives advanced towards the location where the suspects gathered to receive the ransom,” he said.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the suspects opened fire on security operatives after noticing their presence, leading to a gun battle in the forest.

During the exchange, Mohammed Sanni was arrested while other members of the gang reportedly escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries.

Security operatives recovered a motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, a mobile phone, a pair of slippers and a cap from the scene.

The police said the recovered items are undergoing forensic examination as investigations continue.

Ayanlade added that the arrested suspect had already made useful confessional statements that could aid efforts to track down other fleeing members of the gang.

The command also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to strengthen anti-kidnapping operations and improve safety across the state.