Oyo State Police foil ₦10m kidnap ransom deal in a forest after fierce gunfight

A planned ₦10 million ransom exchange in a forested area of Oyo State ended in chaos on Wednesday after security operatives engaged suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle at Otefon Village Forest in Atiba Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out by officers of the Oyo State Police Command working alongside members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). One suspect was captured during the raid, while several others reportedly escaped into nearby bushes with gunshot injuries.
Governor Makinde, Oyo State
In a statement released on Thursday, the police disclosed that intelligence reports received in the early hours of May 13, 2026, revealed that a group of kidnappers had assembled in the forest to collect ransom money for a victim they had abducted days earlier.
Following the tip-off, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, immediately ordered operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad operating within the Oyo/Iseyin corridor, together with local security personnel, to move into the area and intercept the gang.
Investigations showed that about six armed men had stormed the residence of Alhaji Bagudu in Ilowa Village, Atiba Local Government Area, on May 9, 2026, before abducting him and demanding ₦10 million for his freedom.
Police authorities explained that operatives first secured the safe release of the victim before advancing toward the designated ransom collection location in an attempt to apprehend the suspects.
However, the suspects reportedly opened fire the moment they noticed the approaching security team, sparking an exchange of gunfire inside the forest. The intense confrontation forced the kidnappers to flee in different directions, with some believed to have sustained bullet wounds.
One suspect, identified as Mohammed Sanni, was arrested at the scene.
Security operatives also recovered several items believed to belong to the gang, including a motorcycle, a mobile phone, a cap, and a pair of slippers. The recovered exhibits are currently undergoing forensic analysis.
According to the police, the arrested suspect has already provided valuable information to investigators, while efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining gang members who escaped during the shootout.
The Commissioner of Police praised the officers and local vigilantes involved in the operation, reaffirming the Command’s determination to continue its crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes throughout Oyo State.
Residents across the area have been advised to remain alert and promptly report anyone seen with suspicious injuries or unusual movements to the nearest police station or security agency.

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