The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 15-year-old kidnapping victim and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a coordinated security operation along the Awe–Iwo Road axis of the state.

The operation followed credible intelligence received by the command on October 22, indicating that suspected kidnappers were demanding ransom for the release of a boy abducted from the Onidundun area of Akinyele Local Government Area on October 18.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Section to act on the intelligence and secure the victim’s release.

The police team worked in collaboration with members of the Oyo Zone Vigilante Group of Nigeria before advancing towards the suspects’ location around the Pipeline, Ajagba axis along the Awe–Iwo Road.

At about 9.30 p.m., the operation resulted in a gun battle after the suspected kidnappers opened fire on the approaching security personnel.

Despite the attack, the operatives rescued the victim, identified as Sumaila Muhammadu, while one suspected kidnapper was neutralised. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped in different directions with possible gunshot injuries.

The deceased suspect was taken to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed his death. His body was subsequently deposited at a morgue.

The police also recovered an Android mobile phone and a cutlass during the operation, adding that the items would form part of the ongoing investigation.

The command urged residents, particularly those living around the Awe–Iwo Road corridor and neighbouring communities, to remain vigilant and report anyone seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds.

Medical practitioners, hospital administrators and other healthcare workers were also asked to notify the police of patients whose injuries might be linked to the incident.

The command said credible information from residents and healthcare providers could help security operatives locate the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities.

The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and cooperation with relevant security stakeholders to dismantle kidnapping networks and improve public safety across Oyo State.