The Oyo State Police Command says it has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping gang during a joint security operation in Otefon Village Forest in Oyo State.

Police said the operation, carried out alongside members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), led to the safe release of a kidnapped victim and the recovery of exhibits believed to have been used by the gang.

According to a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the breakthrough followed intelligence received at about 1:00am on 13 May 2026 that suspected kidnappers had gathered in the forest to collect ransom from relatives of their victim.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, reportedly ordered operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in the Oyo/Iseyin axis to move into the area immediately.

Police said preliminary investigations showed that six armed men allegedly invaded the residence of Alhaji Bagudu in Ilowa Village, Atiba Local Government Area, on 9 May and abducted him before taking him into the forest.

The kidnappers were said to have demanded ₦10m for his release.

Victim Rescued as Suspects Open Fire

According to the police, operatives prioritised the victim’s safe release before attempting to arrest the suspects.

The command said intelligence and surveillance technology helped officers identify the exact location where the gang assembled.

Police said security operatives moved in after confirming that the victim had regained freedom unharmed.

However, the suspected kidnappers allegedly opened fire after spotting the advancing security team, triggering a gun battle in the forest.

During the exchange, police said most members of the gang escaped with suspected gunshot injuries, while one suspect identified as Mohammed Sanni was arrested.

Motorcycle, Phone and Other Items Recovered

The police said officers recovered a Hajoue motorcycle with registration number TUT 824 TY, which investigators believe was used for the gang’s operations.

Other items recovered include:

A mobile phone

A pair of slippers

A cap

Police said the items are undergoing forensic examination.

The command added that the arrested suspect had made “useful confessional statements” about the gang’s activities and operations.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

Why This Matters

Kidnapping for ransom remains a major security concern across several parts of Nigeria, with residents in rural communities increasingly vulnerable to attacks.

Security analysts say coordinated intelligence sharing between police, vigilante groups and local communities has become critical in tackling forest-based criminal networks.

The latest operation also highlights the growing role local vigilante groups are playing in supporting formal security agencies in intelligence gathering and rapid response efforts.

Residents in Oyo and neighbouring states have repeatedly called for stronger surveillance and faster emergency response systems amid rising fears over abductions.

Police Urge Residents to Share Information

The Oyo State Police Command urged residents to provide credible information that could help investigators track down the fleeing suspects.

The statement also advised members of the public to report anyone seen with suspicious gunshot wounds or injuries.

“The Oyo State Police Command therefore encourages residents to sustain their support and partnership with security agencies towards ensuring improved security architecture and more efficient service delivery across the State,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police also praised Olatunji Rilwan Disu for providing strategic support for anti-crime operations nationwide.

Expert Perspective

Security experts say kidnapping syndicates increasingly operate within remote forests because of difficult terrain and limited surveillance infrastructure.

Analysts note that rapid-response intelligence operations can reduce ransom collection success rates and discourage organised abduction networks.

However, they warn that long-term success will depend on sustained patrols, inter-agency cooperation and improved rural security presence.

What’s Next?

Police say forensic analysis is ongoing on the recovered items, while manhunt operations continue across surrounding forest areas.

Authorities are expected to intensify surveillance in Atiba and neighbouring communities as investigations continue.

Residents were also reminded to use the Oyo State emergency lines for urgent security reports.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service in Anambra State have pledged to deepen collaboration aimed at improving security at custodial centres across the state.

The commitment was announced during a courtesy visit by the newly deployed Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Anambra, Ezinne Emele Onuoha, to the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Maku Olatunde, at the NSCDC headquarters in Awka on Thursday.

The meeting comes amid growing concerns over the security of correctional facilities in Nigeria following several high-profile jailbreaks and attacks on custodial centres in recent years.

Why the partnership matters

Speaking during the visit, Controller Onuoha said the engagement was designed to strengthen operational synergy between both agencies under the Federal Ministry of Interior.

She said effective management of custodial centres remains critical to national security, adding that sustained collaboration and support are necessary to maintain safety within correctional facilities.

“Effective custodial management, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts by the Nigerian Correctional Service are key to ensuring lasting peace, security, and social order in the state,” she said.

She also stressed the need for armed personnel support to complement existing security arrangements at custodial facilities.

Security analysts say stronger coordination among security agencies has become increasingly important as authorities attempt to prevent attacks on detention facilities and improve intelligence sharing nationwide.

NSCDC promises personnel deployment and intelligence sharing

Responding during the meeting, Commandant Olatunde reaffirmed the NSCDC’s readiness to work closely with the Correctional Service.

He said the corps would continue to support the protection of critical national assets through personnel deployment and intelligence sharing where necessary.

“The NSCDC remains committed to supporting sister agencies in ensuring enhanced security coordination and effective service delivery,” he said.

The commandant also praised the relationship previously maintained with the former Controller of Corrections in Anambra, describing it as productive and beneficial to inter-agency cooperation.

He expressed confidence that the new leadership would further strengthen collaboration between both organisations.

First female Controller of Corrections in Anambra

Commandant Olatunde congratulated Controller Onuoha on becoming the first female Controller of Corrections in Anambra State.

He described the achievement as significant and expressed optimism that her leadership would bring positive transformation to the state’s correctional system.

The visit ended with both agencies agreeing to maintain regular communication and closer operational cooperation to strengthen security management across Anambra State.

Broader concerns over custodial centre security in Nigeria

Nigeria’s correctional system has faced increasing pressure in recent years due to attacks on custodial centres, overcrowding, and security challenges.

Experts say improved collaboration between agencies such as the NSCDC and Nigerian Correctional Service could help reduce vulnerabilities, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

Public policy observers also argue that beyond physical security, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes remain essential in reducing repeat offences and improving public safety.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, has reaffirmed the importance of inter-agency collaboration after visiting the Ogun State commands of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

The visits, described as strategic familiarisation engagements, focused on strengthening cooperation among security and public safety institutions operating in Ogun State.

According to the police command, the initiative is aimed at improving intelligence sharing, emergency response coordination, criminal justice administration, and overall security management.

Shortly after assuming office, CP Ojajuni said modern policing can no longer operate in isolation.

“Contemporary security management requires sustained cooperation, intelligence sharing, mutual support, and coordinated engagements among all critical agencies within the nation’s internal security architecture,” he said.

Focus on Road Safety and Emergency Response

During his visit to the Ogun State Command of the FRSC, CP Ojajuni was received by Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, alongside senior officers of the corps.

Discussions centred on traffic management, highway patrol operations, accident prevention, and emergency response systems across the state.

The police commissioner commended the FRSC for what he described as professionalism and commitment to reducing road crashes on major highways in Ogun State, a key commercial transit corridor linking Lagos to other parts of Nigeria.

He also praised the FRSC Special Marshal Initiative, describing it as an effective community-based partnership model.

“The initiative has continued to enhance public participation, civic responsibility, traffic management support, and community involvement in promoting safety, discipline, and orderliness within society,” CP Ojajuni said.

Security analysts say stronger collaboration between police authorities and road safety officials could improve incident response times and reduce highway-related crime and accidents, especially along busy transport routes.

Correctional Reforms Praised

At the Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the commissioner was received by Controller of Corrections Abioye Kamoru Adesina.

Talks focused on custodial security, inmate management, rehabilitation programmes, and cooperation within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

CP Ojajuni commended ongoing reforms in correctional centres, particularly programmes involving inmate education, vocational training, behavioural reform, and rehabilitation.

He described the reforms as essential to reducing repeat offences and helping former inmates reintegrate into society.

“Rehabilitation and reformation remain critical components of sustainable public safety and long-term societal stability,” he said.

Experts in criminal justice reform have repeatedly argued that rehabilitation-focused correctional systems are more effective in reducing recidivism than punitive approaches alone.

Why the Visits Matter

The visits come amid growing calls for stronger institutional coordination among Nigeria’s security and emergency management agencies.

Ogun State, due to its strategic location and industrial activity, faces increasing pressure on road infrastructure, public safety systems, and correctional facilities.

Analysts say cooperation between the police, correctional authorities, and road safety agencies is becoming increasingly important in tackling crime, improving emergency response, and maintaining order in rapidly growing urban areas.

The commissioner also presented copies of The New Dawn, the Nigeria Police Force’s flagship publication, to both agencies as part of efforts to improve communication and institutional relationships.

Commitment to Security Partnerships

CP Ojajuni reiterated the Ogun State Police Command’s commitment to sustaining partnerships with relevant agencies.

He said peace and security in Ogun State depend on coordinated operational strategies and mutual institutional support.

“Effective policing and sustainable security management can only be achieved through strong inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, coordinated operational strategies, and mutual institutional support among relevant stakeholders,” he stated.

The statement was signed by Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, on 15 May 2026.