- Safiu Kehinde
The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended three suspected kidnappers with cache of firearms and other incriminating items recovered.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
According Olayinka, the suspects were arrested at Ilora Sogidi area of the state after a member of the community raised alarm over suspicion movement of some young individuals at the area, prompting swift action from the police and local vigilante group.
“A spirited Nigerian and member of the said community raised an alarm after observing a group of young individuals loitering suspiciously within the area.
“Acting promptly on the information, members of the local vigilante group accosted one of the individuals at the scene and immediately alerted the Police.
“A joint security team comprising Police operatives and vigilante members was swiftly mobilized to the location, where on-the-spot questioning of the suspect was conducted.” The police spokesperson said.
During the interaction with the joint security team, the suspect was unable to give a satisfactory account of himself.
In the process, he abandoned a sack bag in his possession and fled into the nearby bush.
The abandoned sack bag was immediately recovered and thoroughly searched, during which the following items were discovered: one dismantled double-barrel gun, one dismantled single-barrel gun, and six live cartridges.
The discovery would be followed by further investigation which led the police to the house of a 68-year-old man, Seriki Abdullahi Bello, who was arrested alongside two others.
“Following this development, the joint team secured the scene and intensified follow-up operations. The information was escalated to the Command, leading to a coordinated response.
“Subsequently, the house and premises linked to one Seriki Abdullahi Bello ‘M’, aged 68 years, were thoroughly searched and combed in line with standard investigative procedures.
“In the course of further operations, the following individuals were arrested in connection with the incident: Abdullahi Usman ‘M’, aged 18 years; Aliu Ibrahim ‘M’, aged 33 years; and Seriki Abdullahi Bello ‘M’, aged 68 years.” The statement read further.
All the suspects are currently in custody and have been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) for discreet investigation aimed at uncovering the full extent of their involvement and apprehending other fleeing accomplices.
Reacting to the development, the Oyo Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the joint efforts of the security agencies and the spirited Nigerian who alerted security operatives, whose timely intervention significantly contributed to the success of the operation.
The Commissioner, according to Olayinka, also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu for his continued support and strategic leadership in strengthening operational effectiveness across the Force.
The Command reiterates its commitment to intelligence-led policing, public safety, and the protection of lives and property.
It however urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information.