The Oyo State Police Command has successfully arrested a notorious kidnapper and recovered a firearm through a coordinated, intelligence-led operation involving security agencies.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, in a press release made available to Sunday Telegraph, “information received from a vigilant member of the public revealed that three armed men, armed with an AK-47 rifle and other weapons, were seen marauding around the forest and farmland in the Ikoyi-Ile area.
“Acting promptly on this report, a joint team of operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ikoyi-Ile Division, mobilised to the location and conducted a meticulous combing of the surrounding bushes to locate the suspects and recover any illegal firearms.
“The operation culminated in the arrest of one of the suspects, identified as Muhammadu Abubakar (male), from whom an AK-47 rifle with breach number 6628/2274, six rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and three live cartridges were recovered”.
During interrogation, he said further that “the suspect confessed to a series of kidnapping activities around the Ogbomoso–Ikoyi-Ile axis and has been cooperating with ongoing investigations.
Further findings revealed that he has been on the Command’s radar for some time and is linked to cross-border criminal operations along state lines.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet and thorough investigation. Meanwhile, a manhunt has commenced to apprehend the remaining members of the gang”, the release said.
The PPRO noted that the successful operation further highlights the critical role of public cooperation in combating crime.
“The Command, therefore, urges residents to continue providing timely and credible information, as sustained community partnership remains essential to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
“The Oyo State Police Command reassures the public of its unwavering resolve to rid the State of violent crimes such as kidnapping and banditry. The Command remains committed to deploying all necessary resources and strategies to protect lives and property, maintain law and order, and ensure that Oyo State remains safe for all law-abiding residents. Investigation is ongoing, and the search for other gang members continues”.
