Oyo State police have freed a 15-year-old boy who was kidnapped in Akinyele Local Government Area, killing one suspected abductor during an exchange of gunfire on the Awe–Iwo Road corridor as efforts continue to locate other members of the group.
Abduction and intelligence operation
The victim, Sumaila Muhammadu, was taken from the Onidundun area of Akinyele on October 18, 2026. The alleged kidnappers had reportedly sought ransom payments in return for his release.
Police said they received actionable intelligence on the case at about 5pm on October 22. Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga subsequently ordered the Anti-Kidnapping Section to begin a rescue operation in collaboration with the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
Gun battle on Awe–Iwo Road
The joint security team moved to the Pipeline-Ajagba area on the Awe–Iwo Road. At about 9:30pm, suspected kidnappers fired at the approaching operatives, triggering a gunfight.
- Sumaila Muhammadu, aged 15, was recovered safely during the operation.
- One unidentified suspected kidnapper was killed in the confrontation.
- An Android phone and a cutlass were seized from the scene.
The suspect who was shot was taken to hospital, where a doctor pronounced him dead. His remains were later transferred to a morgue.
Search for fleeing suspects
Police are continuing the pursuit of other suspected members of the kidnapping gang who escaped from the area. Residents along the Awe–Iwo Road route and surrounding communities have been asked to alert authorities about anyone seen with questionable gunshot injuries, which could assist investigators in tracing the fugitives.
- Members of the public can submit information at the nearest police station or through the command’s designated reporting channels.
- Doctors, hospital managers and other health workers have also been asked to report patients seeking treatment for gunshot wounds that may be linked to the incident.
Commitment to anti-kidnapping operations
The police commissioner said the command would maintain intelligence-driven security operations and deepen coordination with other security bodies to break up criminal networks and curb kidnapping across Oyo State. He also called on residents to provide prompt, reliable information that can support law-enforcement action.
