Three suspected kidnappers have been confirmed dead in a gun duel with the security operatives during a rescue operation of a 50-year-old man identified as Moshood Gbolagade in Out community in Itesiwaju local government area of Oyo.

The victim was abducted in Okaka community in the same local government area.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the operation, which resulted in the rescue of Gbolagade, was initiated following a distress call received on Monday, May 25, from local hunters who had gone on a hunting expedition in Out.

Ayanlade said upon arrival, the hoodlums opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel, but were overpowered by the superior force of the police.

He added that during the gun duel, the police team successfully neutralized three suspected kidnappers.

The statement read, “As part of its ongoing operations to rid Oyo of violent crimes and other criminal elements threatening public safety, the state Police command has recorded another major operational success with the neutralization of three suspected kidnappers and the successful rescue of an abducted victim during a coordinated security operation carried out at Out in the Oke-Ogun axis in collaboration with local hunters and other security agencies.

“The operation was initiated following a distress call received on May 25, 2026, from local hunters who had gone on a hunting expedition in Out and came under gunfire attack by suspected kidnappers. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded among the hunters.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence received, a response team comprising police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies was immediately mobilized to the scene at Out.

“Upon arrival, the hoodlums opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel. However, through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralization of three suspected kidnappers.

“Consequently, the operation also resulted in the successful rescue of an abducted victim, identified as Mr. Mosudi Gbolagade, male, aged about 50 years, who had earlier been kidnapped at Okaka and held captive within the Out area. Although the victim sustained gunshot injuries during the incident, he has been evacuated for urgent medical attention and is currently receiving treatment.

“In the course of the operation, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle without ammunition, one single-barreled gun, and one machete from the scene, further underscoring the violent intent of the criminal elements.

“Regrettably, one of the local hunters sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and was promptly rushed to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical care,” the statement stated.

The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, who commended the bravery and synergy displayed during the operation, also lauded the gallantry of the local hunters and other security stakeholders whose timely intervention significantly contributed to the success recorded.

The command, therefore, reiterated its unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements across the state, and urged residents to remain vigilant by providing credible and timely information to security agencies. (Nigerian Tribune)