Jelili Gbadamosi
A ransom payment of ₦1.5 million has been recovered by security operatives after a gun battle with suspected kidnappers in a forest along the Ifira–Idoani axis of Isua-Akoko, Ondo State.
The operation also resulted in the rescue of two kidnapped victims and the subsequent arrest of three suspected members of the kidnapping gang.
The Ondo State Police Command said the operation followed intelligence that the suspects, who were hiding in the forest, were planning to emerge to collect ransom.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, operatives of Isua Division, working with the Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, and Agbe-Koya, mounted surveillance along the suspected route on Friday, September 11, 2026.
At about 11:30 p.m., the suspected kidnappers, reportedly numbering four and armed with firearms, emerged from the forest and opened fire after sighting the security operatives.
The operatives reportedly repelled the attack, forcing the suspects to flee into the forest while rescuing the two victims, Mr. Owolabi Patrick and Asoto Dada, unharmed.
The Police said ₦1.5 million believed to have been brought for ransom payment was recovered during the operation, alongside foodstuffs.
Although the suspects escaped during the gun battle, the Police said sustained follow-up operations eventually paid off on Sunday, September 13, when operatives sighted some of them along Idoani Road at about 8:30 p.m.
Three suspects were arrested during the operation, with two of them reportedly suffering gunshot injuries to their legs.
The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Abubakar, Ibrahim Abubakar and Oseni Abubakar, all residents of Akunnu.
The two rescued victims subsequently visited the police station, where they positively identified the suspects as those allegedly responsible for their abduction.
The victims also identified a Bajaj motorcycle previously recovered by the Police as being linked to the kidnapping operation. The motorcycle remains in police custody as investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the personnel of Isua Division, Amotekun and Agbe-Koya for their coordinated efforts and professionalism during the operation.
Ohagwu directed that the case be transferred immediately to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Akure for discreet investigation.
The squad was mandated to uncover the wider network allegedly behind the operation and apprehend other persons connected to the crime.
The Police Command said it would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at denying kidnappers and other criminals access to forests and hideouts across Ondo State.
