- The Oyo State Police Command has successfully rescued four passengers who were kidnapped in the early hours of Thursday, March 5, 2026.
- The victims were intercepted by armed men while traveling in a commercial bus along the Igbeti–Kishi Road in Irepo Local Government Area.
- A joint security operation involving the Police, Amotekun Corps, and “Operation Burst” forced the abductors to abandon their captives and flee into the forest.
The Oyo State Police Command has safely recovered four travelers abducted during a brazen roadside ambush.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the incident occurred when gunmen emerged from the thickets along the Igbeti–Kishi Road, blocking a commercial vehicle and dragging four occupants into the bush.
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Following a distress call, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, ordered an immediate and massive mobilization of tactical resources to the area.
The rescue operation was a collaborative effort, seeing regular police operatives work alongside the Amotekun Corps, the state-backed security outfit “Operation Burst,” and various local hunters and stakeholders.
The teams engaged in an intensive “bush combing” exercise that lasted several hours.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the sheer pressure of the coordinated manhunt forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims in the forest to avoid direct engagement with the heavily armed security teams.
Thankfully, all four victims were found unhurt. They have since been processed and reunited with their respective families.
While the victims are now safe, the security forces have not withdrawn from the axis.
Operatives are reportedly still deep within the surrounding forests, maintaining a high-visibility presence and tracking the fleeing suspects in an attempt to make arrests and dismantle any criminal camps in the Irepo Local Government Area.
This successful rescue highlights the effectiveness of the state’s integrated security architecture, but it also serves as a reminder of the persistent threats on rural transit routes.
Commissioner Femi Haruna has urged residents of the neighboring communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals with unexplained injuries to the nearest police post.
The command remains committed to ensuring that the Igbeti–Kishi axis is cleared of criminal elements to restore the confidence of daily commuters.
