Oyo Police rescue 15-year-old kidnap victim, kill suspect

By Adebola Muili

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old boy abducted by suspected kidnappers and neutralised one of the suspects during a gun duel along the Awe–Iwo Road axis of the state, while a manhunt has been launched for other members of the gang who escaped.

The victim was reportedly abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area on October 18, 2026, while the kidnappers were said to have demanded ransom for his release.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, October 25, 2026, saying the rescue operation followed intelligence received by the police on October 22.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section (AKS), working in collaboration with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to move against the suspects and secure the victim’s release.

Acting on the directive, the operatives moved to the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road, where they closed in on the suspected kidnappers.

The operation reportedly resulted in a gun duel at about 9.30 p.m. when the suspects opened fire on sighting the advancing security team.

Despite the attack, the operatives successfully rescued the victim, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, 15, while one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire.

Other members of the gang reportedly fled in different directions, with some believed to have sustained gunshot injuries.

The police said the neutralised suspect was taken to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead, before his remains were deposited in a morgue.

An Android mobile phone and a cutlass were also recovered during the operation and would form part of the exhibits for the ongoing investigation.

Following the escape of the other suspects, the command urged residents, particularly those living around the Awe–Iwo Road axis and adjoining communities, to remain vigilant and report anyone found with suspicious gunshot wounds.

The police also called on medical practitioners, hospital administrators and other healthcare workers to promptly report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot injuries suspected to be connected with the incident.

The command said timely and credible information from members of the public and healthcare providers could assist efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities.

Reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, the Commissioner of Police assured residents that intelligence-led operations and collaboration with relevant security stakeholders would be sustained to dismantle criminal networks and curb kidnapping across the state.