Police arrest suspected kidnapper, recover ammunition in Oyo

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, identified as Muhammadu Abubakar, recovering an AK-47 rifle in the process.

In a statement issued by the Oyo State Police Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the operation took place in Oriire Local Government Area.

According to the statement, police received intelligence that three armed men carrying an AK-47 rifle and other weapons were seen moving around forests and farmlands in the Ikoyi-Ile area.

Acting on the information, a joint team of security operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Ikoyi-Ile Division moved to the area and conducted a search of nearby bushes to track down the suspects and recover illegal weapons.

The operation led to the arrest of Abubakar, from whom an AK-47 rifle, six rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and three live cartridges were recovered.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in several kidnapping operations around the Ogbomoso–Ikoyi-Ile axis and is currently assisting investigators with further information.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Abimbola, has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, amid ordering a manhunt for other members of the gang who are still at large.

The commissioner went further to commend the officers involved in the operation, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation remains vital in tackling crimes such as kidnapping and banditry.