By Deborah Nnamdi
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation in the state.
The Command said the breakthrough followed credible information from a member of the public, who alerted security agencies to the presence of three armed men allegedly operating around forests and farmlands in the Ikoyi-Ile area.
Acting on the tip-off, a joint security team led by the Divisional Police Officer of Ikoyi-Ile Division mobilised to the location and conducted a thorough combing of surrounding bushes, leading to the arrest of one suspect, identified as Muhammadu Abubakar.
Items recovered from the suspect include an AK-47 rifle with breach number 6628/2274, six rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and three live cartridges.
Police authorities described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb violent crimes, particularly kidnapping, in the state.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in a series of kidnapping operations along the Ogbomoso–Ikoyi-Ile axis. He is also said to have links to cross-border criminal activities across state lines and had been on the Command’s watchlist.
The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Meanwhile, security operatives have launched a manhunt for other members of the gang who remain at large.
The police boss commended officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication, noting that intelligence-led policing remains key to tackling criminal activities.
He also appreciated the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for providing strategic leadership that has enhanced operational efficiency across commands.
The Command emphasised the importance of public cooperation in the fight against crime, urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
Restating its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the police assured that all necessary resources would be deployed to rid the state of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Investigations are ongoing, while efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects have been intensified.
