Oyo Police, Amotekun Rescue Couple From Kidnappers’ Den After Gun Duel

A joint security team comprising operatives of the Oyo State Police Command, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters has rescued a couple abducted by suspected kidnappers in the Oke-Ogun area of the state.

The victims, Alhaji Busiru Booni and his wife, Alhaja Pitiku, were rescued unhurt following a gun battle between security operatives and the suspected kidnappers at their forest hideout.

The couple was reportedly abducted late on Saturday, July 5, 2026, after about five armed men invaded Tiro Village in Irawo. 

The assailants were said to have fired several shots before taking the couple away to an undisclosed location.

The Oyo State Police Command said the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered an immediate search-and-rescue operation after receiving information about the abduction.

The operation involved police officers, Amotekun personnel, community vigilantes and local hunters familiar with the terrain.

According to the command, the team made an early breakthrough when it recovered a Bajaj motorcycle that had earlier been reported stolen and later abandoned in a nearby bush.

The police said information obtained from the recovered motorcycle, alongside the deployment of technological resources, assisted operatives in locating the kidnappers’ hideout.

The command said the kidnappers opened fire when they noticed the security personnel approaching their location.

“Upon sighting the advancing joint security operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a fierce gun duel,” the command stated.

It explained that the suspects eventually fled into the surrounding forest after sustaining gunshot injuries, leaving the abducted couple behind.

“However, owing to the dense forest terrain and the difficult surrounding environment, the hoodlums escaped into the bush with varying degrees of gunshot wounds, abandoning the victims in the process,” the police added.

The rescued couple was subsequently taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.

The command said doctors certified them to be in stable condition before they were discharged and reunited with their family.

*Police Hunt Fleeing Suspects*

Following the rescue, the police appealed to residents to assist security agencies in tracking down the injured suspects.

The command urged members of the public to report anyone seeking treatment for suspicious injuries, particularly gunshot wounds.

“Members of the public should remain vigilant and report any person seeking unusual medical attention or presenting with suspected bullet wounds to the nearest police station or security post. Such timely information will assist ongoing efforts to apprehend the fleeing criminals and prevent further criminal activities,” the command said.

The command praised the Amotekun Corps, vigilantes, hunters and residents of the affected community for their cooperation during the operation.

“The Oyo State Police Command appreciates the invaluable support and collaboration of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters, and members of the community whose timely information and cooperation contributed significantly to the successful rescue operation,” the statement added.

The police assured residents that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal groups operating in the area.

“The command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and urges members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information that will aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements,” it said.