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Osun State Police Command said it has rescued an abducted hostage and foiled a ransom collection.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, who paraded the suspects in Osogbo yesterday, disclosed that one suspect was arrested following a well-coordinated operation by the tactical team of the Command.
He said, “On 9th July 2026, the Command received information that one Haruna Yusuf, a 50-year-old Fulani herdsman residing in a remote settlement near Wasinmi Village, along Gbongan/Ife-Ibadan Road, had been abducted by four suspected kidnappers.
“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes, immediately mobilized to the scene and combed the surrounding forests and adjoining pathways in an effort to trace and rescue 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.
“On 12th July 2026, the VCRU operatives, on an intelligence-driven, co-ordinated operation, conducted close monitoring of the ransom payment process at a designated drop-off point in the Majeroku Area along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway.
“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.
“The injured suspect was immediately taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital for medical treatment and is currently responding to treatment. The sum of Two million, two hundred and seventeen thousand, eight hundred naira (N2,217,800) was recovered at the scene as proceeds of ransom.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping gang who have been terrorizing that environs,” Gotan said.
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In the same vein, the Command announced the arrest of three suspected ritualists and cultists in Iree, Osun State.
“Upon information gathering that some suspected cultists are terrorizing Iree and its environs, operatives of the VCRU team immediately swung into action and started monitoring their activities and, through credible intelligence and proactive policing efforts by operatives of the Command, on 14th July 2026, the following suspects were arrested: (1) Michael Oluwatobi ‘m’ 23 years, (2) Busayo Joseph ‘m’ 22 years and (3) Abu Azeez ‘m’ 23 years.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are members of a cult group and are also being investigated for alleged involvement in ritual-related activities. Exhibits recovered from them are: a small coffin and local charms/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.
“Similarly, it could be recalled that on 7th May 2026, some suspected kidnappers invaded a settlement at Ijebu-Jesa in an attempt to kidnap one Yahaya Sulaimon ‘m’, but police foiled the operation. During the operation, policemen were able to arrest the principal suspect, one Umaru Adamu, who was paraded on 19th May 2026. Further technical analysis and actionable intelligence led to the arrest of another suspect, one Buhari Mutari ‘m’, in the Seyin Area of Oyo State.
“Also, the following suspects were arrested for various offences ranging from stealing, unlawful possession of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp, hooliganism, etc., at different locations across the state during raids on black spots.
“David Ayomide (20), Akanbi Adijat (39), Kareem Afees (25), Ajewale Abidemi (23), Oladipupo Temitope (30), Adeleke Chalse (25), Chibueze David (25), and Abayomi Sunday (25).”
CP Gotan said all the suspects will be arraigned in court after the completion of investigations.
