Oyo State police have rescued a 15-year-old boy abducted in Akinyele Local Government Area following a gun battle with suspected kidnappers along the Awe–Iwo Road axis. One suspected kidnapper was killed during the operation, while other suspects reportedly escaped.
The Oyo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects following the rescue of the teenager, as security operatives seek to track down other members of the suspected kidnapping gang.
The operation involved police operatives and members of the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
How the Kidnapping Happened
According to the police account reported by Nigerian media, the teenager, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, was abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele LGA on October 18, 2026.
The police reportedly received information about the incident on October 22. The suspected kidnappers were said to have demanded a ransom for the boy’s release.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Olugbenga Abimbola, directed the Anti-Kidnapping Section to track the suspects and secure the victim’s release.
The operation was subsequently carried out with support from the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
Gun Battle Leaves One Suspect Dead
The security team reportedly traced the suspects to the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road.
At about 9:30 p.m., a gun battle broke out after the suspected kidnappers allegedly opened fire on the advancing operatives.
The teenager was rescued during the confrontation.
Police said one suspected kidnapper was neutralised. The individual was taken to a hospital, where a doctor reportedly confirmed the death.
Other suspects escaped in different directions. Some were believed to have sustained gunshot injuries, according to the police account.
The operatives also recovered an Android mobile phone and a cutlass during the operation.
The police have not publicly confirmed the identities or number of suspects who escaped. Their whereabouts remain unknown, pending further investigation.
Manhunt Continues: What Police Want Residents to Know
The rescue does not necessarily mean the security operation is over. With other suspected gang members reportedly still at large, the police are seeking information that could help locate them.
Residents in Awe, Iwo Road, Ajagba, Akinyele and surrounding communities should remain alert to credible security updates and report suspicious activity to the authorities.
The police have specifically urged residents to report individuals who may be seeking treatment for gunshot wounds, as some fleeing suspects are believed to have been injured during the exchange of fire.
Medical practitioners and hospital administrators have also been asked to alert the appropriate authorities about patients whose injuries may be connected to the incident.
Residents can assist the investigation by taking the following precautions:
- Report credible leads promptly: Contact the nearest police station if you have information that could help locate the suspects.
- Avoid confronting suspected criminals: Do not attempt to arrest or pursue anyone you suspect of involvement in the kidnapping.
- Protect your personal safety: Remain aware of your surroundings and follow verified security advisories, especially when travelling through affected areas.
- Avoid spreading unverified claims: Do not circulate names, photographs or allegations about suspected individuals without reliable confirmation.
- Use official reporting channels: Share relevant information directly with the police rather than posting sensitive details publicly.
Anyone with information should provide it through an official police channel or the nearest police station. The Oyo State Police Command should be consulted for its current contact details.
What Happens Next?
The immediate priorities are to locate the fleeing suspects, establish the full circumstances of the kidnapping and determine whether others were involved.
The recovery of the teenager is an important development, but further police action will be needed to establish whether the entire gang has been identified and whether additional arrests will follow.
The investigation may also help security agencies understand how the suspects operated and whether there are links to other reported kidnapping incidents. However, no such links should be assumed without confirmation from investigators.
The police have urged residents to cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to address kidnapping and other violent crimes in Oyo State.
WeGoTalk will update this report if the police announce further arrests or provide additional verified information about the suspects.
