The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that three suspected kidnappers were killed while an abducted man was rescued during a joint security operation in Otu, a community in the Oke-Ogun area of the state.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka.
According to the police, the operation was launched after local hunters reported coming under attack from armed kidnappers on May 25, 2026, while on a hunting expedition around Otu.
Authorities stated that none of the hunters was killed during the initial encounter.
The statement explained that security personnel, including police operatives, hunters, and other agencies, quickly mobilised to the area after receiving the distress alert.
On arriving at the scene, the security team reportedly came under heavy gunfire from the suspected kidnappers, resulting in a fierce exchange.
Police said the coordinated response by the operatives eventually subdued the criminals, leading to the death of three suspected abductors.
During the operation, a kidnapped victim identified as Mosudi Gbolagade, said to be about 50 years old, was rescued from captivity. He was allegedly abducted from Okaka and held hostage in the Otu forest area.
The command added that the victim sustained gunshot wounds during the rescue effort and was immediately taken for medical attention.
Items recovered from the suspects included an AK-47 rifle without ammunition, a single-barreled firearm, and a machete.
The police also confirmed that one of the local hunters involved in the operation suffered gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
Commending the efforts of the security team, the Commissioner of Police praised the courage displayed by the hunters and other operatives who participated in the mission.
The command reiterated its determination to intensify operations against criminal groups across the state and encouraged residents to continue supplying timely and useful information to security agencies.
The development comes amid growing security concerns in Oyo State following the May 15, 2026, attacks on schools in the Esiele, Yamota, and Alawusa communities within Oriire Local Government Area.
During the attacks, armed men reportedly abducted more than 40 pupils, students, and teachers, while an assistant headmaster, identified as Mr Adesiyan Adegboye, was killed.
In subsequent videos circulated online, two abducted teachers were seen appealing for urgent intervention and rescue.
The attackers were also accused of killing a mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, with footage of the incident later surfacing online.
Reports on May 23 indicated that the suspected terrorists had opened communication with the Oyo State Government.
Sources familiar with the matter claimed the kidnappers insisted on negotiating only with the governor and refused to engage directly with the victims’ families.
One source reportedly said the group made it clear they would speak exclusively with the governor, though details of the negotiations and any demands remained unclear.
As of the time of filing the report, it had not been confirmed whether discussions were being handled personally by the governor, through government representatives, or if any breakthrough had been achieved.
