The Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims during an operation in Isua-Akoko, following intelligence that the gang planned to emerge from a forest hideout to collect ransom.
The operation also led to the recovery of N1.5 million suspected ransom, a Bajaj motorcycle and other items, including foodstuffs.
The suspects were arrested after security operatives mounted an ambush along the route where the kidnappers were expected to collect the ransom.
In a brief made available to Daily Trust on Tuesday, the Ondo State Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the operation commenced on Friday, September 11, 2026, following credible intelligence about the activities of the suspected kidnappers along the Ifira–Idoani axis.
“The operation commenced on Friday, September 11, 2026, following credible intelligence that a group of suspected kidnappers hibernating in the thick forest along the Ifira–Idoani axis were planning to emerge from their hideout to collect ransom,” he said.
Jimoh added that operatives of Isua Division, working with personnel of the Ondo State Security Network, also known as Amotekun, and Agbe-Koya, launched a coordinated rescue and ambush operation inside the forest.
According to him, the security personnel positioned themselves along the suspected route and maintained surveillance for several hours before the suspected kidnappers emerged at about 11:30pm.
“At about 23:30 hours, the suspected kidnappers, numbering about four and armed with firearms, emerged from the forest. On sighting the security operatives, they opened fire, prompting the security team to tactically repel the attack and rescue the two victims, Mr. Owolabi Patrick and Asoto Dada, unhurt.”
He said the security operatives recovered N1.5 million suspected to have been brought for ransom payment, while the kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries and escaped into the forest.
Jimoh added that sustained follow-up operations and credible intelligence on Sunday, September 13, led to the arrest of three suspects who were sighted along Idoani Road at about 8:30pm.
He said two of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries to their legs.
“The arrested suspects are: Abdullahi Abubakar, male, Ibrahim Abubakar, male, and Oseni Abubakar, male, all resident of Akunnu area. The two rescued victims, subsequently came to the Police Station and positively identified the arrested suspects as the persons who abducted them,” Jimoh said.
He added that a Bajaj motorcycle earlier recovered by the police was also identified by the victims as being connected to the criminal operation.
“A Bajaj motorcycle earlier recovered by the Police has also been identified by the victims as being connected to the criminal operation. The motorcycle remains in Police custody as part of the ongoing investigation,” he said.
The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, commended the officers and men of Isua Division, as well as personnel of Amotekun and Agbe-Koya, for their courage, professionalism and collaboration during the operation.
He said the CP had ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Akure for discreet investigation.
The Command reiterates its determination to deny criminal elements access to forests and other hideouts within the State and will continue to sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements.