Four passengers abducted by gunmen along the Igbeti–Kishi Road in Oyo State have been rescued unharmed following a coordinated security operation by law enforcement agencies.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the development on Friday in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna.
The victims were reportedly abducted in the early hours of March 5 when armed hoodlums emerged from a nearby bush and blocked the road, intercepting a commercial vehicle travelling from Igbeti to Kishi. During the attack, four passengers were forcefully taken into the surrounding forest by the assailants.
Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed Divisional Police Officers in Igbeti and Kishi, alongside relevant tactical units, to mobilise operational resources to secure the safe rescue of the victims.
Acting on the directive, a joint security team comprising police operatives, personnel of the Amotekun Corps, Operation Burst, and other local security stakeholders launched an intensive bush-combing operation in the area.
According to the police, the sustained search of the surrounding forests mounted significant pressure on the criminals, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee the scene.
The command confirmed that all four victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.
Haruna commended the bravery and professionalism of the security operatives involved in the operation, noting that collaboration among security agencies remains crucial in safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The police also appreciated the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde for the prompt mobilisation of resources in support of security operations.
Similarly, the command acknowledged the strategic leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, in directing police commands nationwide in the fight against crime.
Meanwhile, the police said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects, adding that intensive bush-combing and intelligence-driven operations have been launched to ensure their arrest and prosecution.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to aid the fight against crime in the state.
