Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have rescued a 61-year-old woman who was kidnapped by suspected armed criminals in Owo, following a fierce gun battle that also led to the recovery of her stolen vehicle.
The victim was abducted in the early hours of June 23, 2026, after gunmen reportedly invaded her residence at about 2:50 a.m.
During the attack, the assailants forcefully took the woman away and drove off with her Toyota Matrix vehicle.
Confirming the development on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said officers responded swiftly after receiving information about the incident.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised personnel and launched a coordinated operation to track the fleeing suspects.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised his operatives and launched a coordinated pursuit of the fleeing suspects.
“The police team intercepted the hoodlums around the outskirts and bush area of Ojana Phase 3, where an exchange of gunfire ensued,” Jimoh stated.
The police spokesman explained that the operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, overpowering them and successfully rescuing the victim unharmed while also recovering her stolen Toyota Matrix.
He added that the suspects escaped into the nearby forest after the exchange of gunfire, with intelligence suggesting that some of them sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation.
Jimoh disclosed that several items believed to belong to the fleeing criminals were recovered at the scene.
“Exhibits recovered from the scene include two expended cartridges, one sandal believed to have been abandoned by one of the fleeing suspects, and one torch light.
“Efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang. The case has been referred to the appropriate investigative unit for discreet and comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying, arresting and prosecuting all those connected with the crime,” Jimoh added.
The police assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that efforts have been stepped up to track down and arrest every member of the gang responsible for the kidnapping.
The command also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state through intelligence-driven policing and rapid response to criminal activities.
