Police rescue kidnap victims in Oyo after forest search operation

The Oyo State Police Command says four passengers abducted by gunmen along the Igbeti–Kishi Road in Irepo Local Government Area have been rescued.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, made this known in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday.

Ayanlade explained that the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when armed attackers reportedly emerged from a nearby forest and obstructed the highway. The gunmen intercepted a commercial vehicle travelling from Igbeti to Kishi and took four passengers into the bush.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, ordered an immediate rescue mission involving officers from nearby divisions and specialised units.

The statement read, “The Oyo State Police command wishes to inform the general public that four passengers abducted in the early hours of 5th March, 2026, along the Igbeti–Kishi Road have been successfully rescued following a swift and coordinated security response.

“Immediately the report was received, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, promptly directed the Divisional Police Officers of Igbeti and Kishi Divisions, in conjunction with relevant tactical teams, to mobilise all necessary operational resources to ensure the victims were rescued unhurt.

“Acting on this directive, a combined security team comprising Police operatives, members of the Amotekun Corps, Operation Burst, and other local security stakeholders swiftly moved to the area and commenced intensive combing of the surrounding forests.

“The sustained bush combing operation, which lasted for several hours, mounted significant pressure on the criminals, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee the scene. Consequently, the four victims were successfully rescued unhurt, have regained their freedom, and have since been reunited with their families.”

Ayanlade added that security operatives were still searching the surrounding forests in an effort to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

He also called on residents to stay alert and share useful information that could assist security agencies in tracking down the perpetrators.