Three suspected kidnappers killed in Oyo gun duel, captive rescued

Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command, alongside local hunters, neutralized three suspected kidnappers during a fierce gun duel in Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government Area. The operation also led to the successful rescue of Mosudi Gbolagade, a 50-year-old man who had been held captive.

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As part of its ongoing operations to rid Oyo of violent crimes and other criminal elements threatening public safety, the state police command has recorded another major operational success with the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers and the successful rescue of an abducted victim during a coordinated security operation carried out at Otu in the Oke-Ogun axis in collaboration with local hunters and other security agencies.

Gbolagade was initially abducted in Okaka and held in the Otu community. He sustained gunshot injuries during the rescue but is receiving treatment. The operation was triggered by a distress call on May 25 from local hunters who encountered gunfire from the suspected kidnappers while on an expedition. No hunters were harmed.

The police command confirmed the success, stating that a response team, including police operatives and other security agencies, was mobilized. Upon arrival, the criminals opened fire, leading to a gun battle. The security team overpowered the hoodlums through superior tactics, resulting in the deaths of the three suspects.

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The operation was initiated following a distress call received on May 25, 2026, from local hunters who had gone on a hunting expedition in Otu and came under gunfire attack by suspected kidnappers. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded among the hunters.

This operation is part of the state police command's ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes. The statement also referenced previous incidents, including the rescue of four passengers abducted in March 2026 along the Igbeti–Kishi Road and coordinated attacks on schools in the Oriire Local Government Area.

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Acting swiftly on the intelligence received, a response team comprising police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies was immediately mobilised to the scene in Otu. Upon arrival, the hoodlums opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel, adding that through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers.