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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Oyo State Police Command has rescued an abducted couple unhurt following a coordinated security operation in the Oke-Ogun area of the state.
The victims, identified as Alhaji Busiru Booni and his wife, Alhaja Pitiku, were kidnapped on the night of Saturday, July 5, 2026, when about five armed men reportedly stormed Tiro Village in Irawo, firing sporadically before taking the couple to an unknown location.
According to a statement issued on Thursday evening by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately ordered a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving operatives of the Oyo State Police Command, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The police said a Bajaj motorcycle earlier reported stolen was recovered abandoned in a nearby bush during the operation, providing a major breakthrough in tracking the kidnappers.
The statement added that intelligence gathered from the recovery of the motorcycle, alongside the deployment of technological resources, led security operatives to the kidnappers’ hideout.
On sighting the advancing joint security team, the suspects reportedly opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. Although the kidnappers escaped into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds due to the difficult terrain, they abandoned the victims, who were rescued unharmed.
The rescued couple was immediately taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment before being discharged after doctors confirmed they were in stable condition. They have since reunited with their family.
Following the operation, the police appealed to members of the public to report anyone seeking unusual medical attention or presenting suspected bullet wounds, saying such information could assist security agencies in apprehending the fleeing suspects.
The command also commended the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters and members of the community for their collaboration and timely intelligence, which it said contributed significantly to the success of the rescue mission.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property across Oyo State, the command urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to support ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
