The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of four passengers who were abducted by gunmen along the Igbeti–Kishi road in Oyo State.
The victims were freed during a coordinated security operation carried out in the early hours of March 5.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said the passengers were abducted after armed hoodlums emerged from a nearby bush and blocked a commercial vehicle travelling from Igbeti to Kishi.
According to the police, the attackers intercepted the bus and forcefully took four passengers into the surrounding forest.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, immediately ordered divisional police officers in Igbeti and Kishi, along with tactical units, to deploy operational resources to rescue the victims.
Acting on the directive, a joint security team made up of police operatives, members of the Amotekun Corps, personnel of Operation Burst and other local security stakeholders launched an intensive search operation in the forests around the area.
The police said the sustained bush-combing exercise mounted pressure on the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee.
“The four victims were successfully rescued unhurt, regained their freedom and have since been reunited with their families,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery and professionalism of the joint security team, noting that cooperation among security agencies remains crucial to safeguarding lives and property.
The command also appreciated the support of the Oyo State Government led by Seyi Makinde for providing resources to strengthen security operations in the state.
In addition, the police acknowledged the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for providing strategic direction to commands across the country in tackling crime.
The police said security operatives have intensified bush-combing and intelligence-led operations to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in the state.
