How kidnappers walked into police trap while collecting N2m ransom in Osun

A group of suspected kidnappers walked into a police operation while attempting to collect ransom for a 50-year-old herder abducted in Osun State.

The operation ended in a gun battle, with one suspected kidnapper arrested, the victim rescued unhurt and N2,217,800 in ransom money recovered.

Osun State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan disclosed the development during a press briefing on Wednesday.

The rescued victim, Haruna Yusuf, was abducted on July 9 from a remote settlement near Wasinmi Village along the Gbongan–Ife–Ibadan Road.

Police said four suspected kidnappers seized the Fulani herder and subsequently demanded a ransom for his release.

Officers initially launched a search with local vigilantes before transferring the case to the anti-kidnapping section of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit.

Rather than disrupt the payment immediately, operatives reportedly monitored the ransom process and followed it to the collection point chosen by the kidnappers.

The security team moved in when the ransom was taken to the Majeroku area along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway on July 12.

Gotan said the kidnappers opened fire after spotting the operatives, prompting a response from the police.

“The team successfully rescued the victim unhurt,” the commissioner said.

“The kidnappers, on sighting the operatives, opened fire, and the police equally responded professionally, leading to a gun duel.”

Some of the suspected kidnappers reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation.

One suspect, identified as 40-year-old Usman Aliyu, was arrested, while other members of the gang escaped.

Aliyu was taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Police recovered N2,217,800 at the scene, which the command described as proceeds from the ransom payment.

Gotan said security operatives were tracking the fleeing members of the gang, whom he accused of terrorising communities around the area.

The police commissioner also announced the arrest of three suspected cult members in Iree.

They were identified as Michael Oluwatobi, 23; Busayo Joseph, 22; and Abu Azeez, 23.

Police reportedly recovered a small coffin and local charms from the suspects, who are also being investigated for alleged involvement in ritual-related activities.

Gotan further disclosed that another suspected kidnapper, Buhari Mutari, was arrested in the Seyi area of Oyo State over a failed abduction in Ijebu-Jesa on May 7.

The alleged leader of the kidnapping operation, Umaru Adamu, had earlier been arrested and paraded on May 19.

Eight other suspects were apprehended during raids on suspected criminal hideouts across Osun for alleged stealing, hooliganism and unlawful possession of substances believed to be cannabis.

The commissioner said all the suspects would be charged in court after investigations.