Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Victim in Oyo Town

The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a kidnapping attempt and successfully rescued an abducted man following a swift overnight security operation in Olorunda Village, Oyo town.

The development was confirmed in a press statement issued on Sunday by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.

According to the statement, the Command received a distress call at about 2:10 a.m. on January 24, 2026, from a resident identified as Alimot, who reported that suspected kidnappers armed with dangerous weapons had stormed her brother’s residence in Olorunda Village.

During the attack, the assailants reportedly abducted Haruna Lawal, a male resident of the community, and fled the scene with his motorcycle to an unknown location.

DSP Olayinka said that upon receiving the report and acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, psc(+), police operatives were immediately deployed to the area.

He explained that the prompt response and aggressive bush-combing operation mounted by the police exerted pressure on the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon the victim as officers advanced with patrol vehicles and activated sirens.

“The abducted victim was rescued alive within hours of the incident,” the statement noted.

Lawal, who sustained a head injury during the ordeal, was promptly taken to the General Hospital, Oyo, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

The Command stated that the successful rescue highlights its professionalism, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Oyo State.

CP Haruna also commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, for his leadership, strategic guidance, and support, while praising the officers involved in the operation for their bravery and dedication.

The Police Command added that efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, as investigations into the incident continue.

Residents were reassured of the Command’s resolve to ensure that criminals find no safe haven in the state, while members of the public were urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.