Police have confirmed the arrest of a suspected kidnapper while attempting to collect a N10 million ransom demanded from the relatives of a victim in Otefon Village, Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victim, identified as Alhaji Bagudu, was abducted from his residence in Ilowa Village last week. He was subsequently taken to Otefon Forest, where his abductors held him pending payment of the ransom.
However, the operation was foiled after security operatives, acting on intelligence from the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), moved into the area and intercepted the suspects.
The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the development, saying:
“On Wednesday, 13th May 2026, at about 0100hrs, credible intelligence was received through operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Oyo, indicating that a gang of suspected kidnappers had assembled at Otefon Village Forest to collect ransom from relatives of a kidnapped victim.
“Upon receipt of the intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, psc, mnips, immediately directed operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) Oyo/Iseyin axis, in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to move into the area with a view to rescuing the victim and apprehending the criminal elements responsible for the abduction.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang, consisting of about six armed men, had on 9th May 2026 invaded the residence of one Alhaji Bagudu of Ilowa Village, Atiba Local Government Area, Oyo State, abducted him and subsequently taken him into the Otefon Forest. The abductors were said to have demanded the sum of ₦10,000,000 as ransom for his release.
“In a carefully coordinated joint operation, security operatives prioritised the safe release of the victim before making tactical moves against the suspected kidnappers.
“Upon confirmation that the victim had regained his freedom unharmed, operatives advanced towards the scene to apprehend the hoodlums and prevent any further threat to life.
“Leveraging robust intelligence gathering and technological tools, security operatives successfully identified the exact location where the suspected kidnappers had assembled and strategically laid an ambush for the criminal elements.
“Upon the arrival of the individual conveying the alleged ransom and subsequent confirmation of the victim’s safe release, operatives from the Police and other collaborating security outfits approached the scene.
“However, on sighting the advancing security team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. In the ensuing exchange, the suspects fled into the adjoining forest with varying degrees of suspected gunshot injuries, while one suspect identified as Mohammed Sanni was apprehended.
“Also recovered during the operation was a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, believed to have been used for the gang’s logistics and operations.
“Other items recovered from the scene include a small mobile phone, a pair of slippers and a cap, all currently undergoing forensic examination.
“The suspect is currently in custody and has made useful confessional statements regarding his role and involvement within the criminal syndicate.
“Meanwhile, concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and bring them to justice.”
The Command urged members of the public to provide credible information that could aid ongoing investigations or lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects, adding that individuals seen with suspicious bullet wounds should be reported to the police.
It also reiterated the importance of cooperation between residents and security agencies in strengthening security across the State.