The Oyo State Police Command has successfully rescued four passengers following their abduction along the Igbeti–Kishi Road in the Irepo Local Government Area.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade.
According to him, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when armed men reportedly emerged from a nearby forest and blocked the highway.
The attackers intercepted a commercial vehicle travelling from Igbeti to Kishi and forcefully took four passengers into the bush.
Ayanlade explained that upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, immediately ordered a rescue operation involving officers from neighbouring divisions as well as specialised tactical units.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that four passengers abducted in the early hours of March 5, 2026, along the Igbeti–Kishi Road have been successfully rescued following a swift and coordinated security response.
“Immediately the report was received, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, directed the Divisional Police Officers of Igbeti and Kishi divisions, alongside relevant tactical teams, to deploy all necessary operational resources to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
“Acting on the directive, a joint security team comprising police operatives, personnel of the Amotekun Corps, Operation Burst, and other local security stakeholders swiftly moved to the area and began intensive combing of the surrounding forests.
“The prolonged bush-combing operation, which lasted several hours, mounted considerable pressure on the criminals, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee the area. Consequently, the four victims were rescued unhurt, regained their freedom, and have since been reunited with their families,” the statement read.
The police spokesperson added that security personnel have continued combing the forests in a bid to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tracking down those responsible for the attack.
