Jane Salihu
Two kidnapped men have been rescued while a suspected kidnapper was killed during a joint security operation in Gbonkan, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, as security agencies intensified efforts to dismantle criminal gangs operating in the area.
The Oyo State Police Command, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the operation followed the abduction of three men by armed kidnappers who attacked Gaa Alhaji, Gbonkan, via Ipapo, on the night of June 29.
According to the Command, the gunmen stormed the settlement at about 8:30 p.m., firing sporadically before abducting Alhaji Usman Abubakar, Aliu Usman and Saliu Abubakar.
The statement said the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately ordered the Divisional Police Officer in Ipapo to coordinate a joint rescue mission involving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), and local hunters.
Security operatives subsequently carried out a forensic examination of the crime scene and relied on intelligence and evidence recovered during the investigation to track the kidnappers into a forest hideout.
The Command said the suspects opened fire on the advancing security team, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire. One suspected kidnapper was neutralised during the operation, while other members of the gang escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
A member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria sustained injuries during the gun battle and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The operation led to the successful rescue of two of the abducted victims. One of them suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was taken to hospital, while the second victim also received medical attention after the ordeal.
Police said efforts were ongoing to locate the third victim, who reportedly became separated from the others after running in a different direction during the exchange of gunfire. The Command expressed confidence that he would be found safely.
The Police added that security operatives have sustained pressure on the fleeing suspects through intelligence-driven operations aimed at ensuring their arrest and prosecution.
Commending the officers and other security personnel involved in the operation, Commissioner Olugbenga praised the professionalism and collaboration demonstrated by the Police, Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and local hunters, assuring residents that the operation would continue until the remaining victim is rescued and all members of the criminal gang are brought to justice.
The Command also appealed to residents of Ipapo, Gbonkan and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report anyone with suspicious or unexplained gunshot wounds or unusual injuries to the nearest police station or other security agencies, assuring the public that all information received would be treated confidentially.
