By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Oyo State Police Command has recorded a significant operational breakthrough in response to a kidnapping incident reported in Ikoyi-Ile, while sustained efforts continue to rescue the remaining victim and apprehend the perpetrators. In its continued efforts to combat crime and safeguard lives and property across the state.
The breakthrough followed a report brought to the attention of the Ikoyi-Ile Police Division by a member of the public, who claimed to have heard gunshots in the early hours of 25th December, 2025, at about 1:30 a.m.
According to the information received, suspected hoodlums, armed with guns and cutlasses, had invaded the residence of Ajani Isaiah (male) at Ahoro-Dada Village via Ikoyi-Ile, discharging gunshots and creating panic.
Consequently, as a result of the attack, Ajani Isaiah (male) and two others sustained gunshot injuries. During the invasion, the assailants abducted one of his children, Ajani Ayomide (male), aged 17, and one other child, and carried them away to an unknown location. Acting promptly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ikoyi-Ile, and his men responded swiftly, earning commendation from the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, psc(+), for their professionalism and dedication. The injured victims were immediately evacuated for medical attention and have since been stabilized and debriefed, providing crucial information to support the ongoing investigation.
To complement these efforts, the joint security team, comprising Police operatives, the Amotekun Corps, vigilantes, and local hunters, embarked on intensive bush-combing exercises to locate and rescue the kidnapped victims. These efforts yielded positive results as one of the abducted victims, Ajani Opeyemi (male), aged 15, was successfully rescued and has been debriefed and reunited with his family. In support of the investigation, a forensic sweep of the scene of crime was conducted, resulting in the recovery of several exhibits that are currently aiding police investigation. Following these developments, the Commissioner of Police directed the deployment of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams to the area to ensure the swift rescue of the remaining victim, and further directed that the case be transferred to the State Anti-Kidnapping Unit for discreet investigation.
Acknowledging the operational success, the Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for his strategic guidance and leadership, which have continually strengthened the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force nationwide. He further assured that the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies and non-state actors, are leaving no stone unturned to rescue the remaining victim and bring the fleeing suspects to justice. In conclusion, the Oyo State Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state and urges members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information that can aid security operations.
