Police bust kidnapping gang in Osun, rescue victim

By Isa Isawade

Operatives of the Osun State Police Command have successfully busted a kidnapping gang and rescued a victim unhurt.

The operatives also foiled ransom collection and arrested one suspect following a well-coordinated operation by the tactical team of the command.

This was made known during a press briefing by the Commissioner of Police, Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan on Wednesday in Osogbo.

The arrested suspect is a forty-year-old Usman Aliyu.
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‎Gotan narrated that “On 9th July 2026, the command received information that one Haruna Yusuf, a 50-year-old Fulani herdsman residing in a remote settlement near Wasinmi Village, along Gbongan/Ife Ibadan Road had been abducted by four suspected kidnappers.
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‎”Upon receipt of the report, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes, immediately mobilised to the scene and combed the surrounding forests and adjoining pathways in an effort to trace and rescue the victim.

“The case was subsequently transferred to the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU- Anti-Kidnapping Section) for discreet investigation and tactical intervention.‎

He said on 12th July 2026, the VCRU operatives conducted an intelligence-driven operation to monitor ransom payment process to a designated drop-off point at Majeroku Area along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway.

During this mission, he said, the team ‎successfully rescued the victim unhurt.

“The kidnappers, on sighting the operatives, opened fire and the police equally responded professionally, leading to a gun duel during which some of the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries, one was arrested, while others fled.

“The injured suspect was immediately taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital for medical treatment and is currently responding to treatment. The sum of Two million, two hundred and seventeen thousand, eight hundred naira (N2,217,800) was recovered at the scene as proceeds of ransom,” the CP added.
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He said that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping gang who have been terrorising that environs.

‎In the same vein, according to Gotan, the command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements with the arrest of three suspected ritualists and cultists in Iree, Osun State.

He said: “Upon information gathering that some suspected cultists are terrorising Iree and its environs, operative of VCRU team immediately swung into action and started monitoring their activities and through credible intelligence and proactive policing efforts by operatives of the command, on 14th July 2026, the following suspects were arrested:

“(1) Michael Oluwatobi ‘m’ 23yrs, (2) Busayo Joseph, ‘m’ 22 yrs and (3) Abu Azeez ‘m’ 23yrs.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are members of a cult group and are also being investigated for alleged involvement in ritual-related activities. Exhibits recovered from them are: small coffin and local charms/soaps.

“I have directed that a thorough and discreet investigation be conducted to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other members of the criminal network.

“Similarly, it could be recalled that, on 7th May, 2026 some suspected kidnappers invaded a settlement at Ijebu-Jesa in an attempt to kidnap one Yahaya Sulaimon ‘m’, but Police foiled the operation. During the operation, Policemen was able to arrest the principal suspect one Umaru Adamu who was paraded on 19th May 2026. Further technical analysis and actionable intelligence led to the arrest of another suspect; one Buhari Mutari ‘m’ in Iseyin Area, Oyo State.”

He said the following suspects were arrested for various offences ranging from stealing, unlawful possession of substance suspected to be Indian-Hemp, hooliganism etc at different locations across the state during raiding of black spots:

1. DAVID AYOMIDE (Male, 20 years); AKANBI ADIJAT (Female, 39 years); KAREEM AFEEZ (Male, 25 years); AJEWALE ABIDEMI (Male, 23 years), and OLADIPUPO TEMITOPE (Male, 30 years).

Others were ADELEKE CHALSE (Male, 25 years); CHIBUEZE DAVID (Male, 25 years), and ABAYOMI SUNDAY (Male, 25 years).

“All suspects will be arraigned in court after the completion of investigation.

“The Command wishes to reassure residents of Osun State that it remains resolute in its determination to combat cultism, ritual killings, kidnapping, armed robbery, and all forms of violent crimes. Individuals or groups who engage in criminal activities will find no hiding place in the State,” Gotan said.

He further urged parents, guardians, school authorities, and community leaders to remain vigilant and collaborate with the police by providing timely and credible information that will assist in preventing crime and protecting lives and property.

“The Osun State Police Command appreciates the continued support of the good people of the State and encourages members of the public to report suspicious movements and activities through the nearest Police formation or the Command’s emergency lines.

“I commend the courage and professionalism displayed by the operatives and assure residents that the command remains resolute in its determination to rid Osun State of criminal elements, while I am using this medium to urge members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police and other security agencies in the state,” he concluded.