Ondo police nab 3 suspected kidnappers, rescue 2 victims

The Ondo State Police Command announced the arrest of three suspected kidnappers and the rescue of two individuals during a recent operation in Isua-Akoko. Intelligence had indicated that the group intended to emerge from a forest hideout to collect ransom. The coordinated effort also resulted in the seizure of N1.5 million believed to be ransom payment, a Bajaj motorcycle, and various supplies.

The suspects were apprehended after security forces laid an ambush at the location where the kidnappers were expected to collect the ransom. In a statement to Daily Trust, Ondo State police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh revealed that the operation began on Friday, September 11, 2026, based on credible information about the kidnappers' activities along the Ifira–Idoani axis.

Isua Division, Amotekun personnel, and Agbe-Koya joined forces for the rescue and ambush operation deep within the forest. According to Jimoh, the security team positioned themselves along the suspected route and kept vigil for several hours before the four armed suspects emerged around 11:30pm. Upon encountering the security operatives, the suspects opened fire, prompting the team to repel the attack and rescue Mr. Owolabi Patrick and Asoto Dada without injury.

The security personnel recovered the suspected ransom money and apprehended the injured suspects who fled back into the forest. Further follow-up operations on Sunday, September 13, led to the arrest of the remaining three suspects who were seen along Idoani Road around 8:30pm. Two of the apprehended individuals sustained gunshot wounds to their legs.

Among those arrested are Abdullahi Abubakar, Ibrahim Abubakar, and Oseni Abubakar, all residents of the Akunnu area. The recovered Bajaj motorcycle was identified by the victims as being linked to the criminal operations.