Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, have neutralised a suspected kidnapper and arrested two others during a gun duel in Iseyin.
The operation, carried out by the NSCDC Agro-Rangers unit in the early hours of Tuesday, followed a distress call reporting the activities of suspected bandits at the Sawmill area of Iseyin.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Samuel Opebiyi, the Agro-Rangers responded swiftly and were the first security team to arrive at the scene. On arrival, the operatives reportedly encountered five armed suspects who opened fire on them.
“The operatives responded in line with the rules of engagement, leading to a gun duel that lasted several minutes,” he said.
During the exchange, one of the suspects was neutralised, while two others were arrested. The remaining two suspects reportedly fled into a nearby forest with gunshot wounds, prompting an ongoing manhunt involving the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Amotekun Corps.
No casualties were recorded among NSCDC personnel.
Items recovered from the suspects include a cartridge gun with live and spent ammunition, two cutlasses, a metal rod, and assorted charms.
The arrested suspects and recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Police at the Iseyin Divisional Headquarters for further investigation and prosecution, while the body of the neutralised suspect has been deposited at a mortuary.
State Commandant, Augustine Padonu, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, noting that the deployment of Agro-Rangers across vulnerable areas is part of efforts to curb criminal activities in the state.
He also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that effective security requires collective responsibility.
