By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Akure
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims during a security operation around Isua-Akoko.
The operation, which followed intelligence on the activities of kidnappers operating along the Ifira–Idoani axis, also led to the recovery of N1.5 million suspected ransom, a Bajaj motorcycle and other items.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the operation began on Friday, September 11, 2026, after intelligence indicated that the suspects were planning to leave their forest hideout to collect ransom.
He said operatives of Isua Division, working with personnel of the Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, and Agbe-Koya, mounted an ambush along the suspected route.
According to him, the security personnel maintained surveillance for several hours before about four armed suspects emerged from the forest around 11:30pm.
“On sighting the security operatives, they opened fire, prompting the security team to tactically repel the attack and rescue the two victims, Mr. Owolabi Patrick and Asoto Dada, unhurt,” Jimoh said.
He said the suspected kidnappers escaped into the forest with gunshot injuries, while N1.5 million allegedly brought for ransom payment was recovered.
Jimoh said further operations based on intelligence led to the arrest of three suspects along Idoani Road around 8:30pm on Sunday, September 13.
The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Abubakar, Ibrahim Abubakar and Oseni Abubakar, all residents of the Akunnu area.
He said two of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries to their legs.
The police spokesperson added that the two rescued victims later visited the police station and identified the three suspects as those who allegedly abducted them.
A Bajaj motorcycle earlier recovered by the police was also identified by the victims as being linked to the operation, he said.
Jimoh said the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, had ordered the transfer of the case to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Akure for further investigation.
The command said it would continue intelligence-led operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements operating from forests and other hideouts across the state.
