Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper During ₦10m Ransom Pickup in Oyo
Nigeria Police Force has arrested a suspected kidnapper during an operation to collect a ₦10 million ransom demanded for the release of an abducted resident in Oyo State.
The suspect, identified as Mohammed Sanni, was apprehended during a coordinated security operation at Otefon Forest in Atiba Local Government Area after operatives intercepted members of the gang while attempting to receive the ransom payment.
The victim, identified simply as Alhaji Bagudu, was reportedly abducted from his residence in Ilowa Village on May 9, 2026, by a gang of about six armed men who later moved him into the forest and demanded ₦10 million for his release.
Confirming the incident, Ayanlade Olayinka said the operation followed credible intelligence provided by operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
“On Wednesday, 13th May 2026, at about 0100hrs, credible intelligence was received through operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Oyo, indicating that a gang of suspected kidnappers had assembled at Otefon Village Forest to collect ransom from relatives of a kidnapped victim,” he said.
According to the police spokesperson, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, immediately directed operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in the Oyo/Iseyin axis to collaborate with local vigilantes and move into the area.
“In a carefully coordinated joint operation, security operatives prioritised the safe release of the victim before making tactical moves against the suspected kidnappers,” Olayinka stated.
He explained that after confirming the victim had regained freedom unharmed, security operatives advanced towards the scene and strategically laid an ambush for the kidnappers using intelligence gathering and technological support.
“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. In the ensuing exchange, the suspects fled into the adjoining forest with varying degrees of suspected gunshot injuries, while one suspect identified as Mohammed Sanni was apprehended,” he added.
Police also recovered a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY believed to have been used for the gang’s operations.
Other items recovered at the scene included a mobile phone, a pair of slippers, and a cap, all of which are undergoing forensic examination.
“The suspect is currently in custody and has made useful confessional statements regarding his role and involvement within the criminal syndicate,” the police spokesman disclosed.
He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and urged residents to report suspicious individuals, especially anyone seen with bullet wounds.
The Command further appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to strengthen security across the state.
