The Osun State Police Command has rescued a 50-year-old kidnap victim unhurt, foiled a ransom collection, recovered ₦2.2 million and arrested a suspected kidnapper during a tactical operation carried out by its operatives.
Speaking during a press briefing in Osogbo on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, said the Command’s tactical team successfully rescued Haruna Yusuf, a Fulani herdsman, after he was abducted by four suspected kidnappers near Wasinmi Village along the Gbongan-Ife-Ibadan Road.
According to the police commissioner, the Command received information about the abduction on July 9, prompting the immediate deployment of operatives alongside local vigilantes to comb nearby forests and adjoining routes in search of the victim.
“The case was subsequently transferred to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU-Anti-Kidnapping Section) for discreet investigation and tactical intervention,” Gotan said.
He explained that intelligence gathered by the Command led operatives to monitor the planned ransom payment at Majeroku along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway on July 12.
“An intelligence-driven, coordinated operation was conducted in close monitoring of the ransom payment process to a designated drop-off point. The team successfully rescued the victim unhurt. The kidnappers, on sighting the operatives, opened fire and the police equally responded professionally, leading to a gun duel during which some of the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries, one was arrested, while others fled,” he said.
The arrested suspect, identified as 40-year-old Usman Aliyu, sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and was taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Police also recovered ₦2,217,800 believed to be proceeds of the ransom at the scene.
The commissioner said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang, whom he described as responsible for terrorising communities in the area.
In another operation, the Command arrested three suspected cultists and ritualists in Iree following intelligence reports linking them to criminal activities.
The suspects were identified as Michael Oluwatobi, 23 Busayo Joseph, 22 and Abu Azeez, 23.
Gotan said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were members of a cult group and were also being investigated for alleged involvement in ritual-related activities.
He disclosed that exhibits recovered from them included a small coffin and local charms and soaps.
“I have directed that a thorough and discreet investigation be conducted to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other members of the criminal network,” the commissioner stated.
The police commissioner also revealed that the Command had arrested another suspected kidnapper linked to an attempted abduction in Ijebu-Jesa on May 7.
He recalled that police operatives had foiled the kidnapping attempt and arrested the principal suspect, Umaru Adamu, who was paraded on May 19. He added that further technical analysis and actionable intelligence led to the arrest of another suspect, Buhari Mutari, in the Iseyin area of Oyo State.
Gotan further disclosed that eight other suspects were arrested during raids on identified black spots across Osun State for offences including stealing, unlawful possession of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and hooliganism.
He said all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to tackling crime, the commissioner assured residents that the police would continue to intensify operations against kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
“The Command remains resolute in its determination to rid Osun State of criminal elements. Individuals or groups who engage in criminal activities will find no hiding place in the State,” he said.
He urged parents, guardians, school authorities and community leaders to remain vigilant and support the police with timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains essential to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.