Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have arrested a suspected kidnapper during an operation to thwart the collection of a N10m ransom in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The suspect was apprehended at Otefon forest, where members of the gang allegedly gathered to collect ransom from relatives of their victim.
The victim, identified as Alhaji Bagudu, was reportedly abducted from his residence in Ilowa Village by armed men who later demanded N10m for his freedom.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to him, intelligence obtained from members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria led security operatives to the hideout of the kidnappers.
Ayanlade disclosed that the information received in the early hours of Wednesday indicated that the kidnappers had assembled in the forest to receive the ransom payment.
Following the intelligence report, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, reportedly ordered operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, alongside local vigilantes, to launch a rescue and arrest operation in the area.
The police spokesman explained that investigations revealed that about six gunmen invaded the victim’s residence on May 9 before taking him into the forest.
He added that the operatives initially focused on ensuring the victim’s safe release before advancing towards the suspects.
“After confirming that the victim had regained his freedom unharmed, operatives moved to the location where the suspects had assembled for the ransom collection,” he said.
Ayanlade stated that the suspects opened fire on the operatives on sighting them, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
During the operation, one of the suspects, identified as Mohammed Sanni, was arrested, while others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene included a motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, a mobile phone, a pair of slippers and a cap.
The police added that the exhibits recovered were undergoing forensic examination, while the arrested suspect had already provided useful information to investigators.
The command further assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information capable of aiding the fight against criminal activities in the state.
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