The Osun State Police Command has rescued a 50-year-old kidnapped herder, recovered N2.22 million ransom and arrested a suspected kidnapper during a gun battle with abductors.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday, released by the Command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi.

Gotan said the victim, Haruna Yusuf, was rescued unhurt in an intelligence-led operation by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit.

He said, “On 9th July 2026, the Command received information that one Haruna Yusuf, a 50-year-old Fulani herdsman residing in a remote settlement near Wasinmi Village, along Gbongan/Ife Ibadan road had been abducted by four suspected kidnappers.”

The police commissioner noted that police operatives, working with local vigilantes, immediately launched a search before the case was transferred to the VCRU’s anti-kidnapping section for tactical investigation.

“On 12th July 2026, the VCRU operatives on an intelligence-driven, co-ordinated operation was conducted in close monitoring of the ransom payment process to a designated drop-off point at Majeroku Area along the Ibadan–Ife Expressway.

“The team ‎successfully rescued the victim unhurt. The kidnappers, on sighting the operatives, opened fire and the police equally responded professionally, leading to a gun duel during which some of the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries, one was arrested, while others fleed,” Gotan added.

He said the injured suspect, identified as Usman Aliyu, 40, was taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital for treatment.

The CP added that N2,217,800 suspected to be ransom proceeds was recovered at the scene.

“The sum of Two million, two hundred and seventeen thousand, eight hundred naira (N2,217,800) was recovered at the scene as proceeds of ransom.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping gang who have been terrorising that environment,” he said.

The police commissioner also announced the arrest of three suspected cultists and ritualists in Iree following intelligence reports that criminal gangs had been terrorising residents.

The suspects were identified as Michael Oluwatobi, 23; Busayo Joseph, 22; and Abu Azeez, 23.

According to Gotan, a small coffin and local charms were recovered from them.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are members of a cult group and are also being investigated for alleged involvement in ritual-related activities,” he said.

He said he had directed a thorough investigation to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other members of the criminal network.

The commissioner further disclosed that police arrested another suspected kidnapper, Buhari Mutari, in the Seyi area of Oyo State over an attempted abduction at Ijebu-Jesa on May 7.

He said the arrest followed the earlier apprehension of the principal suspect, Umaru Adamu, who was arrested during the failed kidnapping operation and paraded on May 19.

Gotan also said eight other suspects were arrested during raids of criminal hideouts across the state for offences including stealing, unlawful possession of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and hooliganism.

He said all suspects would be charged in court after investigations.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to tackling violent crime, the police commissioner said, “The Command wishes to reassure residents of Osun State that it remains resolute in its determination to combat cultism, ritual killings, kidnapping, armed robbery and all forms of violent crimes. Individuals or groups who engage in criminal activities will find no hiding place in the State.”

He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, describing public cooperation as critical to combating crime and protecting lives and property. (The PUNCH)