Timothy Omobude 
By: (I.T): Samuel Adeolu
The Ondo State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped victims and arrested three suspected members of a kidnapping gang following a coordinated security operation around Isua-Akoko in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, which involved operatives of the Police, the Ondo State Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, and Agbe-Koya personnel, was launched after the security agencies received intelligence concerning suspected kidnappers operating along the Ifira–Idoani axis.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the operation commenced on Friday, September 11, after intelligence indicated that the suspects, who were allegedly hiding in a thick forest, planned to emerge from their hideout to collect ransom.
Security operatives subsequently positioned themselves along the suspected route and maintained surveillance for several hours.
At about 11:30 p.m., the police said, approximately four armed suspects emerged from the forest and opened fire after sighting the security personnel. The security team responded, while the two kidnapped victims, identified as Owolabi Patrick and Asoto Dada, were rescued unharmed.
The police said ₦1.5 million, suspected to have been brought for ransom payment, was recovered during the operation. A Bajaj motorcycle and other items were also recovered and taken into police custody.
The suspected kidnappers reportedly escaped into the surrounding forest during the encounter, with some sustaining injuries.
However, following further intelligence-led operations, police operatives reportedly sighted some of the suspects along the Idoani Road at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 13.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects identified as Abdullahi Abubakar, Ibrahim Abubakar and Oseni Abubakar, all reportedly residents of the Akunnu area.
The police said two of the arrested suspects had sustained gunshot injuries to their legs.
Following their rescue, the two victims reportedly visited the police station and positively identified the arrested suspects as the individuals allegedly responsible for their abduction.
The Bajaj motorcycle earlier recovered by the police was also reportedly identified by the victims as being connected with the alleged criminal operation.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the personnel of the Isua Division, Amotekun and Agbe-Koya for their collaboration in the operation.
He subsequently ordered the transfer of the case to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Akure for further investigation, with the objective of uncovering other members of the alleged network.
The police command reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at preventing criminal elements from using forests and other hideouts across Ondo State as bases for kidnapping and other violent crimes.
