Ransom Collection Turns Sour as Ondo Police Rescue Two Kidnap Victims, Arrest Three Suspects in Isua-Akoko

The Ondo State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped victims and arrested three suspected kidnappers following a gun battle in a forest along the Ifira–Idoani axis of Isua-Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state.

The operation, carried out under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, psc, mnips, mspsp, also led to the recovery of ₦1.5 million suspected ransom proceeds and other items believed to be connected to the kidnapping operation.

According to a statement issued by the Command, the operation began on Friday, September 11, 2026, following credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers hiding in the thick forest were preparing to emerge to collect ransom.

Operatives of the Isua Division, working alongside personnel of the Ondo State Security Network, also known as Amotekun, and Agbe-Koya, reportedly launched a coordinated rescue and ambush operation in the forest.

The security operatives maintained surveillance along the suspected route for several hours before the kidnappers, numbering about four and armed with firearms, emerged from the forest at about 11:30 p.m.

The suspects reportedly opened fire after sighting the security operatives, prompting the security team to tactically repel the attack.

Amid the gun battle, the operatives successfully rescued the two victims, identified as Mr. Owolabi Patrick and Asoto Dada, without injuries.

The Police said the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter and fled into the surrounding forest, abandoning ₦1.5 million, which was allegedly intended for ransom payment.
The Command subsequently intensified its follow-up operations, leading to another breakthrough on Sunday, September 13, at about 8:30 p.m., when the suspects were sighted along the Idoani Road.

Three suspects were arrested during the operation, with two of them reportedly suffering gunshot injuries to their legs.
The arrested suspects were identified as Abdullahi Abubakar, Ibrahim Abubakar and Oseni Abubakar, all residents of the Akunnu area.

The two rescued victims later appeared at the police station and positively identified the three suspects as the individuals who allegedly abducted them.

The victims also identified a Bajaj motorcycle earlier recovered by the Police as being connected to the kidnapping operation. The motorcycle has been retained as part of the ongoing investigation.

Commending the security personnel involved in the operation, CP Ohagwu praised the officers and men of Isua Division, as well as the Amotekun and Agbe-Koya personnel, for their courage, professionalism and effective collaboration.
The Commissioner has also ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Akure, for discreet investigation aimed at uncovering the wider network behind the crime and bringing all those involved to justice.

The Command reaffirmed its determination to deny kidnappers and other criminal elements access to forests and hideouts across Ondo State, assuring residents that intelligence-led operations against violent criminals would be sustained.