The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt at Olorunda Village, Ojongbodu, in Oyo West Local Government Area, rescuing a victim who sustained a head injury during the ordeal.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade.
According to the police, the command received a distress call at about 2:10 a.m. on January 24, 2026, from a resident of the Ojongbodu area, identified as Alimot. She reported that suspected kidnappers, armed with weapons, had invaded her brother’s residence.
The assailants abducted the victim, Haruna Lawal, a resident of Olorunda Village, and escaped with his motorcycle to an unknown destination.
Ayanlade said the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, immediately ordered the deployment of operatives to the area upon receiving the report.
“Operatives of the command swung into action and carried out an aggressive bush-combing operation,” the police spokesperson said.
He explained that the swift response, combined with the use of patrol vans and sirens, exerted pressure on the kidnappers.
“As police operatives advanced into the area, the suspects, realising that security forces were closing in on them, abandoned the victim and fled,” Ayanlade stated.
Lawal was rescued alive and rushed to the General Hospital in Oyo town, where he is currently receiving medical treatment for a head injury sustained during the incident.
The police spokesperson noted that the successful rescue, achieved within hours of the abduction, demonstrated the professionalism, vigilance and commitment of the Oyo State Police Command to public safety.
He added that efforts had been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while investigations into the incident were ongoing.
The command reassured residents of its determination to ensure criminals have no hiding place in the state and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
The Commissioner of Police also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his leadership and strategic support, while commending the officers involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism.
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