Operatives attached to the anti-kidnapping section of the Oyo State Police Command, in a joint operation with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, killed a suspected kidnapper and rescued a 15-year-old victim, Sumaila Muhammadu, along Awe–Iwo Road.

The state police spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement on Sunday, said the operation was carried out after the command received intelligence on Thursday about suspected kidnappers demanding ransom for the release of the victim, who was abducted on October 18 in Onidundun, Akinyele Local Government Area.

Mr Olayinka said, “The Oyo State Police Command has successfully rescued a 15-year-old kidnapping victim and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a coordinated security operation along the Awe–Iwo Road axis of Oyo State.”

Mr Olayinka said the commissioner of police, Abimbola Ayodeji, directed the command’s anti-kidnapping section, in collaboration with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria, to move against the suspects and secure the victim’s release.

He said the operatives mobilised to the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road, where they advanced on the suspects’ location.

The police spokesman said the operation resulted in a gun duel after the suspected kidnappers opened fire upon sighting the security team. 

Mr Olayinka said a suspected kidnapper was killed while other members of the gang fled with gunshot wounds as the police rescued the victim.

“Following the encounter, the neutralised suspect was taken to the hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead. His corpse was subsequently deposited at the Morgue. 

“Meanwhile, the operatives recovered one Android mobile phone and a cutlass during the operation, which will form part of the ongoing investigative process,” he said. 

Mr Olayinka urged medical practitioners and residents of the area and adjoining communities to remain vigilant and promptly report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds to the police.