The Osun State Police Command has rescued a 50-year-old herder who was abducted by suspected kidnappers, recovered ₦2.22 million believed to be ransom money and arrested one of the suspects following a gun battle with the criminal gang.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed the development during a media briefing on Wednesday. Details of the operation were contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi.
According to the police commissioner, the rescued victim, Haruna Yusuf, was freed unharmed during an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives attached to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit.
Gotan explained that the incident began on July 9 when the command received information that Yusuf, a Fulani herder living in a remote settlement near Wasinmi Village along the Gbongan–Ife–Ibadan Road, had been kidnapped by four armed men.
He said, “On 9th July 2026, the Command received information that one Haruna Yusuf, a 50-year-old Fulani herdsman residing in a remote settlement near Wasinmi Village, along Gbongan/Ife Ibadan road had been abducted by four suspected kidnappers.”
Following the report, police officers, working alongside local vigilantes, immediately commenced a search operation before transferring the case to the anti-kidnapping section of the Violent Crime Response Unit for tactical investigation.
Gotan stated that on July 12, security operatives launched a coordinated intelligence-driven operation after monitoring the planned ransom payment to a designated collection point at Majeroku along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway.
According to him, the operation led to the successful rescue of the victim without injuries.
He said the kidnappers attempted to resist arrest by opening fire on the police team, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“On 12th July 2026, the VCRU operatives on an intelligence-driven, co-ordinated operation was conducted in close monitoring of the ransom payment process to a designated drop-off point at Majeroku Area along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway.
“The team successfully rescued the victim unhurt. The kidnappers, on sighting the operatives, opened fire and the police equally responded professionally, leading to a gun duel during which some of the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries, one was arrested, while others fleed,” Gotan added.
The suspect arrested during the operation was identified as 40-year-old Usman Aliyu, who sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire and was subsequently taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital for treatment.
The commissioner further disclosed that police recovered ₦2,217,800 believed to be proceeds of the ransom payment at the scene.
“The sum of Two million, two hundred and seventeen thousand, eight hundred naira (N2,217,800) was recovered at the scene as proceeds of ransom.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping gang who have been terrorising that environment,” he said.
In another operation, the police arrested three suspected cultists and ritual suspects in Iree after receiving intelligence about criminal gangs allegedly terrorising residents of the area.
The suspects were identified as Michael Oluwatobi, 23, Busayo Joseph, 22, and Abu Azeez, 23.
Police recovered a small coffin and charms believed to be associated with ritual activities during the operation.
According to Gotan, investigations suggest the suspects belong to a cult group and may also be involved in ritual-related crimes.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are members of a cult group and are also being investigated for alleged involvement in ritual-related activities,” he said.
The commissioner stated that a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other members of the criminal network.
Gotan also announced the arrest of another suspected kidnapper, Buhari Mutari, in the Seyi area of neighbouring Oyo State.
The suspect was allegedly linked to a failed kidnap attempt that occurred in Ijebu-Jesa on May 7.
He explained that Mutari’s arrest followed the earlier apprehension of the principal suspect, Umaru Adamu, who was arrested during the failed operation and publicly paraded on May 19.
In addition, police arrested eight other suspects during raids on criminal hideouts across different parts of Osun State.
The suspects are facing allegations ranging from theft and unlawful possession of substances suspected to be Indian hemp to hooliganism.
The police commissioner said all the suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reaffirming the command’s determination to tackle insecurity, Gotan assured residents that criminal elements would not be allowed to operate freely in the state.
“The Command wishes to reassure residents of Osun State that it remains resolute in its determination to combat cultism, ritual killings, kidnapping, armed robbery and all forms of violent crimes. Individuals or groups who engage in criminal activities will find no hiding place in the State.”
He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing crime and protecting lives and property.
