GBETI, OYO STATE – The Oyo State Police Command has successfully rescued four passengers who were abducted in the early hours of March 5, 2026, along the Igbeti–Kishi Road. The rescue operation, a result of swift and coordinated security efforts, has been widely commended.
Preliminary reports indicated that armed hoodlums emerged from a nearby bush, blocking the road and intercepting a commercial bus traveling from Igbeti towards Kishi. During the incident, four passengers were forcefully taken into the surrounding bush by the assailants.
Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, promptly directed the Divisional Police Officers of Igbeti and Kishi Divisions, along with relevant tactical teams, to mobilize all necessary operational resources. Their mandate was clear: ensure the victims were rescued unhurt.
Acting on this directive, a combined security team comprising Police operatives, members of the Amotekun Corps, Operation Burst, and other local security stakeholders swiftly moved to the area. They commenced an intensive combing of the surrounding forests. This sustained bush-combing operation, which lasted for several hours, mounted significant pressure on the criminals, ultimately forcing them to abandon the victims and flee the scene.
Consequently, all four victims were successfully rescued unhurt, have regained their freedom, and have since been reunited with their families.
Commissioner of Police Haruna commended the bravery, professionalism, and swift response of the combined security team. He emphasized that synergy and cooperation among security agencies remain vital for the protection of lives and property across the state. The Command also expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Seyi Makinde, for its prompt response and the resources mobilized in support of security operations.
Furthermore, the Commissioner of Police lauded the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his strategic leadership and direction in the ongoing fight against crime and criminality nationwide.
Meanwhile, intensive bush-combing and intelligence-driven operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure they are brought to justice. The Oyo State Police Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to aid ongoing security efforts.