The police command in Oyo State said it has rescued two abducted children and arrested four suspects.

Following a separate operation, the command also disclosed that it recovered sophisticated firearms from an armed robbery syndicate traced to Lagos State.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, the police said they received a distress report last Friday that suspected armed hoodlums had invaded Ebinpejo Village in the Lanlate area of Ibarapa East Local Government Area.

“The Oyo State Police Command has recorded two major operational successes in its sustained efforts to combat violent crime, rescue victims, and ensure the safety and security of residents across the state,” the statement said.

Detailing the attack on Ebinpejo Village, the police alleged that the suspects ransacked houses, assaulted residents, and abducted two children.

The spokesperson said police operatives, led by the Lanlate Divisional Police Officer, alongside the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, and hunters, commenced an intensive bush-combing operation to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

Mr Olayinka said the joint security team traced the abductors’ hideout within the forest and engaged them in a gun duel, forcing the suspects to flee in different directions.

He said one of the suspects, Umaru Usman, 25, who sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape during the operation, was arrested, while three mobile phones were recovered from the scene.

He added that, in a follow-up operation on June 28, another suspect, Abdullahi Ahmed, 28, was arrested with gunshot wounds believed to have been sustained during the gun duel the previous day.

According to the spokesperson, the suspect was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment and is currently in police custody.

“Further investigations led to the arrest of Sunday Idowu (30), identified as a local collaborator who allegedly provided logistical support to the criminal syndicate. Operatives also arrested Muhammed Ibrahim Shina (29), who reportedly travelled from Ilorin, Kwara State, to participate in the abduction operation,” Mr Olayinka stated.

Mr Olayinka said the two abducted children were rescued and promptly given medical care.

“One of the victims sustained injuries during the ordeal but received treatment before both children were successfully reunited with their family,” he said.

He noted that the four suspects are currently assisting investigators with useful information that will help identify and apprehend other members of the gang.

In a separate operation, the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit on Friday recovered several exhibits, including two Russian-made JOJEFF double-barrel guns with serial numbers T3586 and 0217/2011, one Magnum pump-action rifle with serial number S&W357, one English-made revolver pistol, and 36 live cartridges.

Mr Olayinka said the command’s anti-crime officers recovered the items in the Ajah area of Lagos State, where a wanted armed robbery kingpin and members of his criminal syndicate had been hiding.

“The recovery of these sophisticated firearms underscores the dangerous capability of the criminal network and demonstrates the Command’s resolve to proactively prevent violent crimes and dismantle organised criminal groups,” he said.

The command acknowledged the support of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilante groups, hunters, and members of the public, stating that their assistance and cooperation contributed to the success of the two operations.

It added that investigations into both cases are ongoing and that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigations.