All four passengers abducted by gunmen along the Igbeti–Kishi Road in Oyo State have been rescued unhurt following a coordinated security operation, the police confirmed on Friday.
The rescue was disclosed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna.
Westernmirror.com.ng had earlier reported that four persons were abducted along Igbeti-Kishi road on March 5 by unknown assailants.
The police however, confirmed the incident occurred in the early hours of March 5 when armed hoodlums reportedly emerged from a nearby bush and blocked the road, intercepting a commercial vehicle travelling from Igbeti to Kishi.
During the attack, four passengers were forcefully taken into the surrounding forest by the assailants.
The police said that upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed Divisional Police Officers in Igbeti and Kishi, alongside relevant tactical units, to mobilise operational resources to secure the safe rescue of the victims.
Acting on the directive, a combined security team comprising police operatives, personnel of the Amotekun Corps, Operation Burst and other local security stakeholders launched an intensive bush-combing operation in the area.
“The sustained combing of the surrounding forests mounted significant pressure on the criminals, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee the scene,” the statement said.
The police confirmed that the four victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.
Haruna commended the bravery and professionalism of the security operatives involved in the operation, noting that collaboration among security agencies remains critical to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The command also expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde for the prompt mobilisation of resources in support of security operations.
Similarly, the police acknowledged the strategic leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, in directing commands nationwide in the fight against crime.
Meanwhile, the police said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects, noting that intensive bush-combing and intelligence-driven operations have been launched to ensure their arrest and prosecution.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in combating crime across the state.