The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a 26-year-old woman who was abducted in Owo and arrested four suspects in connection with the crime following a coordinated security operation involving multiple agencies.
The victim, identified as Ogechi John, was allegedly kidnapped on Monday after armed men reportedly forced her into an ash-coloured Toyota Camry at Gozako Filling Station along the Emure–Akure Expressway in Owo.
Police said the suspects fled the scene immediately after the abduction, prompting the activation of a joint rescue operation involving police tactical teams, Amotekun operatives, local hunters and vigilantes.
According to the Command, security personnel swiftly secured strategic entry and exit points around Owo and neighbouring communities while launching intensive searches of surrounding forests and suspected escape routes.
The operation led to a breakthrough when the suspected getaway vehicle was discovered abandoned in a bush at Ojana, Owo.
Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, operatives subsequently arrested four suspects identified as Friday Shola, 27; Friday Monday, 21; Osho Joseph, 24; and Lawal Mariam. The suspects were reportedly found in possession of a woman’s motorcycle believed to be linked to the ongoing investigation.
Police said preliminary interrogation of the suspects revealed that the abandoned Toyota Camry had allegedly been handed over to a herbalist identified as Lawal Lucky of Idimepe Street, Owo, who remains at large.
The Command disclosed that sustained intelligence-led operations and continued pressure on the criminal network eventually resulted in the successful rescue of the victim.
“Ogechi John has been rescued safely and is currently receiving the necessary support,” the police said, adding that investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and identify additional accomplices who may have played roles in the abduction.
Commending officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, praised their professionalism, resilience and swift response.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and assured residents that criminal elements would continue to face sustained pressure from security agencies.
The commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent crime and aid investigations.
The Ondo State Police Command said it remains committed to ensuring that all individuals connected to the crime are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
