The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two children abducted by armed hoodlums in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of the state and arrested four suspected kidnappers following a joint security operation involving the police, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.

The Command also announced the recovery of sophisticated firearms, including Russian-made double-barrel guns, a pump-action rifle, an English-made revolver pistol and 36 live cartridges during a separate intelligence-led operation targeting an armed robbery syndicate believed to be operating from Lagos State.

The breakthroughs were disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who said the operations underscored the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and dismantling criminal networks across Oyo State.

According to the statement, the children were abducted after armed hoodlums invaded Ebinpejo Village via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area on Friday, June 27, where they allegedly ransacked houses, assaulted residents and whisked away the victims.

The statement read, “On Friday, 27th June, 2026, the Command received a distress report that armed hoodlums had invaded Ebinpejo Village, via Lanlate in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, where they ransacked houses, assaulted residents, and abducted two children.

“Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Lanlate, to mobilise operatives in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, and hunters to commence an intensive bush-combing operation aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators.

“Acting on credible intelligence, supported by technical resources and coordinated field operations, the joint security team successfully traced the abductors’ hideout deep within the forest. On sighting the advancing security team, the hoodlums opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. The operatives responded professionally, overpowering the criminals and forcing them to flee in different directions.

“During the operation, one suspect, Umaru Usman (25), sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and was apprehended. Three mobile phones were recovered at the scene.

“In a follow-up operation conducted in the early hours of Saturday, 28th June, 2026, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed (28), was arrested. He was found to have sustained gunshot wounds believed to have been inflicted during the exchange of fire with the joint security team. He was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.

“Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu (30), identified as a local collaborator who allegedly provided logistical support to the criminal syndicate. Operatives also arrested Muhammed Ibrahim Shina (29), who reportedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction operation.

“The four suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the criminal network.

“The two abducted children were rescued safely and promptly taken for medical attention. One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but received treatment before both children were successfully reunited with their family.

“Investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated as they unfold.

“In a separate operation, and as a follow-up to the Command’s press release of 12th June, 2026, in which four suspects were arrested and a locally made pistol recovered, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, acting on credible intelligence, carried out an operation on Friday, 27th June, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m.

“The intelligence revealed that a wanted armed robbery kingpin, believed to be in possession of an English-made pistol, was hiding in the Ajah area of Lagos State alongside members of his criminal syndicate.

“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects fled the scene and escaped arrest. However, a comprehensive search of the hideout led to the recovery of the following exhibits: two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns with serial numbers T3586 and 0217/2011; one Magnum pump-action rifle with serial number S&W357; one English-made revolver pistol; and thirty-six live cartridges.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing kingpin and other members of the criminal syndicate.”

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