By Our Reporter
The Ondo State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped victims and arrested three suspected kidnappers following a gun battle in a forest along the Ifira–Idoani axis of Isua-Akoko.
The operation also led to the recovery of ₦1.5 million suspected ransom proceeds and foodstuffs, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on Tuesday.
The statement said the operation began on Friday, September 11, 2026, following credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers hiding in the thick forest along the Ifira–Idoani axis were planning to emerge from their hideout to collect ransom.
Acting on the information, operatives of Isua Division, in collaboration with personnel of the Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, and Agbe-Koya, embarked on a coordinated rescue and ambush operation in the forest.
The security operatives reportedly positioned themselves along the suspected route and maintained surveillance for several hours.
At about 11:30 p.m., the suspected kidnappers, numbering about four and armed with firearms, emerged from the forest and opened fire after sighting the security operatives.
The security team tactically repelled the attack and rescued the two victims, identified as Mr. Owolabi Patrick and Asoto Dada, unhurt.
During the encounter, the security operatives recovered ₦1.5 million suspected to have been brought for ransom payment. The suspected kidnappers, who sustained gunshot injuries, reportedly escaped into the forest.
The Police said sustained follow-up operations, supported by credible intelligence, led to the sighting of the suspects along Idoani Road at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 13.
Three suspects were subsequently arrested, two of whom had sustained gunshot injuries to their legs.
The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Abubakar, Ibrahim Abubakar and Oseni Abubakar, all males and residents of the Akunnu area.
The two rescued victims later visited the police station and positively identified the suspects as the persons who allegedly abducted them.
The victims also identified a Bajaj motorcycle earlier recovered by the Police as being connected with the criminal operation. The motorcycle has been retained in Police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the officers and men of Isua Division, as well as personnel of Amotekun and Agbe-Koya, for their courage, professionalism and effective collaboration during the operation.
He ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Akure for discreet investigation, with a mandate to uncover the wider network and bring all persons connected with the criminal operation to justice.
The Command reiterated its determination to deny criminal elements access to forests and other hideouts across the state, assuring residents that intelligence-led operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements would be sustained.
