OYO: POLICE RESCUES KIDNAPPED MINORS, ARRESTS FOUR SUSPECTS, SEVEN OTHERS OVER MURDER IN ATISBO LGA

The Oyo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, PSC (+), wishes to inform members of the public of two significant operational successes recorded by the Command in furtherance of its commitment to intelligence-led policing, swift response to crime, and the protection of lives and property across the State.

RESCUE OF KIDNAPPED MINORS AND ARREST OF FOUR SUSPECTS

In demonstration of the Command’s prompt response to threats against public safety, on Friday, 9th January, 2026, at about 0900hrs, the Command received a report through the Iwéré-Ìlè Division regarding the abduction of two minors, Hadu Abubakar (male, 15 years) and Sadari Abubakar (male, 14 years), both of Akinsapon Village near Ayétòrò-Ìlè, by unknown gunmen.

Acting swiftly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Iwéré-Ìlè Division, mobilized a joint security team comprising Police operatives and other partners. This coordinated and intelligence-driven operation culminated in the successful rescue of the two kidnapped minors, who were safely reunited with their family, and the arrest of four suspects, thereby preventing further harm and restoring public confidence within the community.

The arrested suspects are:
• Abubakar Abubakar (male, 25 years) – Akinsapon Village
• Usman Mohammed (male, 23 years) – Lafayin, Bida, Niger State
• Sanda Legi (male, 21 years) – Kwara State
• Dore Hado (male, 22 years)

During the operation, two of the suspects sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment under tight security and close monitoring, while the other two suspects are detained in police custody. Items recovered include two cutlasses, one sander stick, and ₦15,700.00. The suspects have confessed to the crime and are cooperating with the investigation.

In order to ensure a thorough unraveling of the network behind the crime, the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, PSC (+), has directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad for discreet and comprehensive investigation.

MURDER CASE: ARREST OF SEVEN SUSPECTS IN ATISBO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Similarly, and in further proof of the Command’s zero tolerance for violent crimes, the Oyo State Police Command also recorded a decisive breakthrough in a murder case reported at the Ago-Are Division, Atisbo Local Government Area.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Umaru Saidu (male, 40 years) and Umaru Gambo (male, 37 years) had an altercation with Seidu Amisu (male, 20 years) at Budo Fatti area, Ofiki Village, over issues relating to rearing of cattle. The disagreement escalated into a physical struggle, during which Umaru Gambo allegedly beat Seidu Amisu to death with a stick.

Following the incident, and upon realizing that the victim had died, the suspects, in an attempt to conceal the crime, allegedly enlisted the assistance of Umar Abubakar (male), Usman Seidu (male), Muhammed Aliu (male), and Musa Abubakar (male), and secretly buried the victim without the knowledge of his family or the Police.

Acting on credible intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer, Ago-Are Division, embarked on an intelligence-led investigation, which resulted in the arrest of all seven suspects. The suspects are currently in custody, have confessed to the commission of the offence, and are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

In line with the Command’s standard operational procedure for serious crimes, the Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Homicide Section, for thorough and discreet investigation.

The Oyo State Police Command assures the good people of the State that these achievements reflect its sustained operational readiness, intelligence-driven policing framework, and zero tolerance for criminality. The Command remains proactive and resolute in preventing crime, swiftly responding to security threats, and ensuring that perpetrators are decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, PSC (+), reiterates that no criminal act will be allowed to thrive in any part of the State, and that individuals or groups who attempt to undermine public peace and security will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice. Residents are therefore urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and confident in the capacity of the Police and other partners to safeguard lives and property.

The Commissioner of Police further expresses profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, as well as the Oyo State Government and His Excellency, Governor Oluseyi Makinde, for their strategic leadership, unwavering support, and continuous assistance to the State Police Command. Their collaboration and guidance remain critical to the Command’s operational successes and the sustained protection of the people of Oyo State.

Members of the public are encouraged to continue to support the Police by providing timely and credible information, as such cooperation remains critical to effective policing. All suspects in both cases will be charged to court upon the completion of investigation, in line with due process and the rule of law.
For Emergencies, Contact:
Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line: 615
Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614 & 07055495413