Oyo: Police rescue abducted couple after gun battle with kidnappers

The Oyo State Police Command, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters, have successfully rescued an abducted couple following a coordinated security operation in the Oke-Ogun area of the state.

Identified as Alhaji Busiru Booni and his wife, Alhaja Pitiku, the couple was rescued unharmed after a fierce gun battle between security operatives and the kidnappers in a forest hideout.

The victims were violently abducted late on Saturday, July 5, 2026, when roughly five armed men stormed Tiro Village in Irawo, located in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.

The attackers shot sporadically into the air before taking the victims into a deep forest hideout.

According to the Oyo State Police Command, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately ordered a coordinated search-and-rescue mission upon receiving reports of the incident.

The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters, recorded an early breakthrough with the recovery of a Bajaj motorcycle earlier reported stolen and abandoned in a nearby bush.

The Police said the recovered motorcycle, combined with the deployment of technological resources, enabled operatives to trace the kidnappers’ hideout.

“Upon sighting the advancing joint security operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a fierce gun duel.”

“However, owing to the dense forest terrain and the difficult surrounding environment, the hoodlums escaped into the bush with varying degrees of gunshot wounds, abandoning the victims in the process,” the Command stated.

The command added that the rescued couple was immediately taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment before being discharged after doctors certified them to be in stable condition, adding, they have since been reunited with their family.

Reacting to the successful operation, the Police called on residents to support ongoing efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects by reporting anyone seeking suspicious medical treatment.

“Members of the public should remain vigilant and report any person seeking unusual medical attention or presenting with suspected bullet wounds to the nearest police station or security post.

“Such timely information will assist ongoing efforts to apprehend the fleeing criminals and prevent further criminal activities,” the Command said.

The Police also commended the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters and members of the community for their cooperation and timely intelligence, describing their support as instrumental to the success of the operation.

“The Oyo State Police Command appreciates the invaluable support and collaboration of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters, and members of the community whose timely information and cooperation contributed significantly to the successful rescue operation,” the command added.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Command assured residents that it would continue to intensify efforts to protect lives and property across the state.

“The Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the State and urges members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information that will aid ongoing efforts to rid the State of criminal elements,” the command concluded.