Police Arrest Kidnapper During ₦10 Million Ransom Payment

The Oyo State command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of a suspected kidnapper during an operation aimed at rescuing an abducted victim and foiling a ₦10m ransom collection in Atiba Local Government Area of the state.

Naija News understands that the suspect was apprehended on Wednesday, May 13, during a joint security operation at Otefon Village Forest, where kidnappers had reportedly assembled to receive ransom from relatives of their victim.

The victim, identified simply as Alhaji Bagudu, was said to have been abducted from his residence in Ilowa Village on May 9 by a gang of armed men before being whisked away into the forest.

Confirming the development on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the operation followed credible intelligence received from operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Oyo State.

According to Ayanlade, the police swung into action immediately after receiving information about the planned ransom collection.

He said, “On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at about 0100hrs, credible intelligence was received through operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Oyo, indicating that a gang of suspected kidnappers had assembled at Otefon Village Forest to collect ransom from relatives of a kidnapped victim.”

The spokesperson disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Olugbemiga Abimbola, thereafter directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad along the Oyo/Iseyin axis to collaborate with local vigilantes to rescue the victim and arrest members of the gang.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang, consisting of about six armed men, had on May 9, 2026, invaded the residence of one Alhaji Bagudu ‘M’ of Ilowa Village, Atiba Local Government Area, abducted him and subsequently taken him into the Otefon Forest,” Ayanlade stated.

He added that the kidnappers demanded ₦10m ransom for the release of the victim.

The police spokesperson explained that security operatives strategically prioritised the victim’s safety before launching an offensive against the kidnappers.

“In a carefully coordinated joint operation, security operatives strategically prioritised the safe release of the victim before making tactical moves against the suspected kidnappers,” he said.

“Upon confirmation that the victim had regained his freedom unharmed, operatives advanced towards the scene to apprehend the hoodlums and prevent any further threat to life.”

Ayanlade said the operation was aided by intelligence gathering and technological support, which enabled security operatives to identify the exact location where the kidnappers gathered.

Gun Battle In Forest

The police spokesman further revealed that the suspects opened fire as soon as they sighted advancing security operatives, resulting in a gun duel.

“Upon the arrival of the individual conveying the alleged ransom and subsequent confirmation of the victim’s safe release, operatives from the police and other collaborating security outfits approached the scene.

“However, on sighting the advancing security team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a gun duel,” he stated.

He noted that while several members of the gang escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds, one suspect identified as Mohammed Sanni was arrested during the operation.

The command also disclosed that security operatives recovered a motorcycle allegedly used by the gang for logistics and operations.

“Also recovered during the operation was a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, believed to have been used for the gang’s logistics and operations,” Ayanlade said.

Other items recovered included a small mobile phone, a pair of slippers and a cap, all of which are currently undergoing forensic examination.

The police said the arrested suspect had already made useful confessional statements regarding the activities of the gang and his involvement in the kidnapping syndicate.

“The suspect is currently in custody and has made useful confessional statements regarding his role and involvement within the criminal syndicate,” the PPRO added.

He noted that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and bring them to justice.

The command also appealed to residents to support security agencies with credible information capable of aiding investigations and helping in the arrest of the fleeing suspects.