Police arrest three kidnappers, rescue two victims in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command apprehended three suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims in Isua-Akoko, the capital of Akoko South-East Local Government Area. The arrested suspects, Abdullahi Abubakar, Ibrahim Abubakar, and Oseni Abubakar, all originate from Akunnu community in Akoko North-East Local Government Area. Public Relations Officer Abayomi Jimoh announced the operation in a statement on Tuesday, detailing that the command, along with Amotekun Corps and local hunters, successfully rescued two victims, recovered N1.5 million, and arrested the three individuals.

The operation began on September 11, 2026, after receiving intelligence that a group of kidnappers concealed in the forest along Ifira–Idoani planned to emerge to demand ransom. Upon receiving the intel, Isua Division operatives, Amotekun personnel, and Agbe-Koya colluded to conduct a joint rescue and ambush operation within the forest. The security forces positioned themselves along the suspected route and monitored the area for hours until the kidnappers surfaced.

At around 11:30 pm, four armed kidnappers emerged from the forest. When they noticed the security team, they opened fire, prompting the police to repel the attack successfully and rescue the two victims - Mr. Owolabi Patrick and Asoto Dada - unharmed. Both victims later identified the arrested suspects as their abductors at the police station. A Bajaj motorcycle, previously seized by the police, was also linked to the criminal operation and remains in police custody for ongoing investigation.

Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu directed that the case be transferred to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Akure for a discreet investigation, aiming to uncover the full network behind the criminal operation and bring all involved to justice.