The Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims during an operation in Isua-Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun, and local hunters, also led to the recovery of ₦1.5 million suspected to have been brought as ransom, as well as a motorcycle and foodstuffs.
The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Abubakar, Ibrahim Abubakar and Oseni Abubakar, all residents of Akunnu community in Akoko North-East Local Government Area.
According to the police, the operation began on Friday, September 11, 2026, following credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers hiding in a thick forest along the Ifira-Idoani axis were planning to emerge from their hideout to collect ransom.
Operatives of the Isua Division, working with Amotekun personnel and local hunters under Agbe-Koya, subsequently launched a coordinated rescue and ambush operation in the forest.
The security team maintained surveillance along the suspected route before sighting about four armed men emerging from the forest at about 11:30pm.
The police said the suspects opened fire after sighting the security operatives, prompting the team to respond and engage them, while rescuing the two victims.
The victims, identified as Owolabi Patrick and Asoto Dada, were rescued unhurt. The suspected kidnappers, however, fled into the forest, with some reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries during the encounter.
The police subsequently intensified intelligence gathering and follow-up operations in the area. On Sunday, September 13, officers reportedly sighted some of the suspects along the Idoani Road at about 8:30pm.
The suspects attempted to escape into the surrounding bush but were intercepted by the security team. Three were arrested while others reportedly fled.
The recovered ₦1.5 million, according to the police, was suspected to have been intended as ransom for the kidnapped victims. A motorcycle and food items were also recovered during the operation.
The two rescued victims later identified the three arrested suspects as among those allegedly involved in their abduction.
Police spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh said the command would continue intelligence-led operations aimed at denying criminal groups access to forests and other hideouts across the state.
The command also said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected kidnapping group who escaped during the operation.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
