The Oyo State Police Command says it has rescued four passengers abducted by gunmen along the Igbeti–Kishi road in northern Oyo State.

The victims were taken in the early hours of 5 March 2026 after armed men intercepted a commercial bus travelling from Igbeti to Kishi.

Police said the kidnappers emerged from a nearby bush and blocked the road before dragging four passengers into the surrounding forest.

The rescue followed a coordinated operation involving police officers and local security agencies.

How the Rescue Happened

According to the command, the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, immediately ordered a rescue operation after receiving reports of the incident.

Divisional police officers from Igbeti and Kishi divisions were mobilised alongside tactical teams.

A joint team of police operatives, the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps), and Operation Burst launched an extensive search operation in the forests surrounding the road.

The sustained bush-combing exercise lasted several hours.

Police say the pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee.

The four passengers were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.

Police Praise Security Collaboration

Mr Haruna commended the security operatives for what he described as a swift and professional response.

He said cooperation between security agencies remained crucial to protecting lives and property across the state.

“The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, professionalism, and swift response of the combined security team,” the police statement said.

The command also thanked the Oyo State Government led by Seyi Makinde for providing support and resources for security operations.

Police further acknowledged the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force under Olatunji Rilwan Disu in coordinating nationwide crime-fighting strategies.

Why This Matters

Kidnappings along intercity roads remain a security concern in parts of Nigeria.

Rural roads connecting communities often lack consistent patrol coverage, making them vulnerable to criminal attacks.

Security analysts say coordinated operations between federal and local security outfits are becoming increasingly important in responding to such incidents.

They argue that intelligence sharing and faster response times can significantly reduce the risk to travellers.

What’s Next

Police say a manhunt has been launched to track down the suspects responsible for the attack.

Security operatives are continuing combing operations in nearby forests as part of intelligence-led investigations.

Authorities are urging residents and travellers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

The command also asked members of the public to provide credible information that could help arrest the suspects.

Emergency Contacts

The Oyo State Police Command advised residents to report emergencies through the state’s call response centre.

• Toll-free line: 615

• Control room: 08081768614 | 07055495413

The Police Service Commission (PSC) says it has enlisted the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) to act as “community watchdogs” during the screening of 50,000 police constables.

The move comes ahead of a nationwide screening exercise scheduled to begin on 9 March 2026 across the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Officials say the partnership is intended to improve transparency and ensure only credible candidates are recruited into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Why it matters

Recruitment into the Nigerian police has often faced criticism over allegations of favoritism, poor vetting and corruption.

Authorities say the involvement of community groups such as the PCRC could help restore public confidence and ensure the integrity of the selection process.

The screening exercise forms part of what officials describe as the largest single recruitment drive in the history of the Nigeria Police Force.

PSC seeks credible candidates

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Hashimu Argungu, said the recruitment process must prioritise quality and credibility.

“The Commission is resolutely poised to ensure that only the finest and most credible Nigerians wear the uniform of a Police Constable. An effective Police Force is built on the quality of its recruitment,” he said.

“This is why we have called upon you, the PCRC, and other stakeholders to serve as the guardians of this process.”Argungu urged PCRC state leaders to work closely with PSC officials and security agencies to verify applicants’ identities and backgrounds.

“You are the eyes and ears of the community. Help us maintain the credibility of this exercise in your states and be good ambassadors of this process, even on the field,” he added.

Community role in recruitment

The PCRC said it welcomed the opportunity to contribute to a transparent recruitment exercise.

Responding on behalf of the committee’s national leadership, its Deputy National President (North), Wada Sadiq, thanked the commission for including the organisation.

“We are deeply appreciative of the innovations and inclusive approach being employed by the PSC leadership to implement this presidential directive,” he said.

“We understand the weight of this responsibility, and we assure the Commission and the nation that we will justify the confidence reposed in us. We will be vigilant.”

Stakeholders at the meeting

The Abuja meeting included PCRC state chairmen from across Nigeria, as well as PSC board members.

Among those present were retired Supreme Court justice Paul Adamu Galumje and retired Deputy Inspector-General Taiwo Lakanu, who chairs the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters.

Officials said collaboration between the PSC, state employment departments and the police intelligence units would help identify suitable candidates.

What happens next

Physical and credentials screening will begin simultaneously across all states on 9 March.

Successful applicants will proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process before final selection and training.

Authorities say the process is expected to strengthen the manpower of the Nigeria Police Force and improve community policing nationwide.

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Olohundare Jimoh, has delivered a strategic lecture to officers and personnel of the Lagos State Police Command, urging them to strengthen community policing, discipline and respect for human rights.

The training session, held on Thursday, forms part of reforms championed by the new Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, aimed at improving professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.

The initiative is designed to ensure officers remain effective in crime prevention while maintaining public trust.

Why It Matters

Nigeria’s police system has faced persistent criticism over human rights concerns, operational discipline and strained relations with communities.

Authorities say strengthening community engagement and internal training is essential for improving policing outcomes in major cities such as Lagos.

Speaking during the lecture, CP Jimoh said officers must prioritise professionalism and ethical conduct in their daily duties.

“We must ensure that in all our operations we protect the human rights of citizens in line with international best practices of policing,” he said.

He added that officers must remain proactive in crime prevention and public safety.

“People must be safe in their homes, safe on the streets, and safe in their workplaces.”

Focus on Community Policing

The commissioner emphasised that effective policing depends on strong collaboration between officers and local communities.

“Community intelligence must guide our policing strategy. The community must become part of our policing family,” he said.

According to him, stronger relationships with residents would help officers identify security threats early and respond more effectively.

He also urged officers to maintain discipline and improve operational performance through regular training.

“We must continue to mentor our personnel for good behaviour and standard operational performance in the discharge of their responsibilities.”

Crime Prevention Strategy

CP Jimoh said Lagos police would continue to prioritise crime prevention and control across the state.

He noted that several operational strategies had already been introduced since he assumed office.

These include improved enforcement operations and joint security collaborations aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture.

“Our policing strategies are focused on the prevention and control of crime and criminality,” he said.

Government and Community Support

The commissioner also acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders in maintaining security.

He said investment in policing resources and collaboration with communities had helped sustain peace in the state.

“Lagos State remains peaceful and we will continue to sustain the peace that we currently enjoy.”

The police chief added that protecting residents, visitors and economic investments remained a top priority for the command.

What’s Next

The Lagos Police Command says it will continue internal training programmes to improve professionalism and accountability among officers.