A 55-year-old man abducted in Idoani, Ondo State, has escaped from his kidnappers after the suspects reportedly fell asleep at their hideout, leading to the arrest of two alleged members of the kidnapping gang.

The victim, identified as Idowu Alade, was reportedly kidnapped on August 21, 2026, at Aroge Camp, via Idoani, in Ose Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Ondo State Police Command, Alade was abducted at about 6:00 p.m. after leaving his residence to buy a network recharge card.

His failure to return home prompted members of the community to begin searching for him the following morning.

Following a report at the Idoani Police Division, operatives mobilised alongside personnel of the Amotekun Corps, Ose Bravers Vigilante Group and local hunters to comb the area in search of the missing man.

The search eventually paid off in dramatic circumstances when the victim reportedly escaped from his captors’ hideout at about 4:00 a.m. on August 23 while the kidnappers were asleep.

The police said Alade made his way through the Ifira area, where security operatives, acting on credible intelligence, established contact with him and took him to safety.

He was subsequently given medical attention for injuries allegedly sustained during his captivity.

Following the escape, security agencies reportedly placed the area on red alert in a bid to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The police said a patrol team from the Isua Division later intercepted and arrested two suspects, Usman Shaibu, 25, and Sanni Musa, 27, at about 2:15 p.m. on August 23.

The two suspects were subsequently subjected to a formal identification process after the victim had regained enough strength to assist investigators.

According to the police, Alade positively identified both men as among those who allegedly abducted him.

The victim’s mobile phone was also reportedly recovered from the suspects, further strengthening the police investigation.

The suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement and provided information that could assist investigators in tracking other members of the suspected kidnapping network, including an alleged accomplice reportedly based in Auchi.

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, has directed that the suspects and case file be transferred to the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad for further investigation.

The squad is expected to work towards identifying and apprehending other members of the alleged criminal network.

CP Ohagwu commended the police operatives and other security stakeholders involved in the operation, particularly the Amotekun Corps, Ose Bravers Vigilante Group and local hunters, for their collaboration in securing the victim and arresting the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police also reassured residents that the Command would continue its efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

The police urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing and investigating criminal activities.