Police Rescue Kidnap Victim, Recover N2.2m Ransom, Arrest Suspect in Osun

• Police rescued a kidnapped victim during a tactical operation in Osun State.

• Officers recovered ₦2.217 million suspected to be ransom money and arrested one suspected kidnapper.

• The command also arrested suspected cultists and another alleged kidnap suspect in separate operations.

The Osun State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim unharmed, recovered ₦2,217,800 suspected to be ransom proceeds and arrested a suspected kidnapper during a coordinated security operation.

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Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Osogbo on Wednesday.

According to him, the victim, Haruna Yusuf, a 50-year-old Fulani herdsman living near Wasinmi Village along the Gbongan–Ife–Ibadan Road, was abducted by four armed men on July 9, 2026.

The police boss said officers, working with local vigilantes, immediately launched a search of nearby forests and surrounding communities after receiving the report. The case was later transferred to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for further investigation.

Gotan explained that intelligence gathered by investigators led operatives to the ransom collection point in the Majeroku area along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway on July 12.

During the operation, the kidnappers reportedly opened fire on security personnel, prompting an exchange of gunfire. One suspect, identified as Usman Aliyu, 40, was arrested after sustaining gunshot wounds, while other members of the gang escaped.

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The suspect is currently receiving treatment at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.

Police also recovered ₦2,217,800, believed to be ransom money, at the scene.

In a separate operation, the command arrested three suspects identified as Michael Oluwatobi, 23; Busayo Joseph, 22; and Abu Azeez, 23, over alleged cult-related and ritual activities in Iree.

Items recovered from the suspects included a small coffin, charms and locally prepared soaps believed to be used for ritual purposes. Investigations are continuing to determine the extent of their involvement and identify other members of the suspected network.

The police also announced the arrest of another suspected kidnapper, Buhari Mutari, in Seyin, Oyo State, following intelligence linked to a failed kidnap attempt in Ijebu-Jesa on May 7, 2026.

Additionally, eight other suspects were arrested during raids on criminal hideouts across the state for offences including theft, unlawful possession of substances suspected to be cannabis and hooliganism.

Gotan assured residents that all suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.