Police Rescue Kidnap Victim, Arrest Injured Suspect After Gun Battle in Osun
By Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Osun State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped victim unhurt and arrested one suspected kidnapper following a gun battle during a rescue operation along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out in the early hours of July 12 by the Village Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU) Team ‘H’, led by DSP Abina Gideon.
The sources said the operation was a follow-up to the abduction that occurred at Wasimi Village on July 9.
Acting on intelligence, the police team tracked the ransom delivery to the kidnappers’ designated drop-off point at Majeroku along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway.
As the operatives closed in on the location at about 1:45 a.m., the kidnappers opened fire, leading to a gun duel with the police.
During the exchange, the victim was rescued unharmed, while one of the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries and was apprehended.
The injured suspect was taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital for treatment and remains in police custody.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the other members of the kidnapping gang who escaped during the operation.
