The Osun State Police Command has announced a series of major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crime, including the rescue of a kidnapped victim, the recovery of ransom money, and the arrest of suspected kidnappers, cultists, ritualists, and other criminal suspects across the state.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, mnips, commended residents, stakeholders, and members of the media for their support and collaboration in tackling crime and maintaining security in Osun State.

The Police Commissioner disclosed that the Command successfully rescued Haruna Yusuf, a 50-year-old Fulani herdsman, who was abducted on July 9, 2026, by four suspected kidnappers near Wasinmi Village along the Gbongan-Ife/Ibadan Road.

According to CP Gotan, police operatives, working alongside local vigilantes, immediately launched a search operation following the incident, while the case was transferred to the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) Anti-Kidnapping Section for intensive investigation.

He explained that on July 12, intelligence gathered by operatives led to a coordinated operation at a designated ransom collection point in the Majeroku area along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway.

During the operation, the kidnappers reportedly opened fire upon sighting the police team, leading to an exchange of gunfire. One suspect, identified as Usman Aliyu, 40, was arrested after sustaining gunshot injuries, while other gang members escaped into nearby forests.

The victim was rescued unharmed, while police recovered ₦2,217,800, believed to be ransom proceeds, at the scene.

 

1000912553

The injured suspect is currently receiving treatment at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

In another operation, the Command arrested three suspected cultists and ritualists in Iree, Osun State, following intelligence reports linking them to criminal activities in the area.

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

Police investigations revealed that the suspects are allegedly members of a cult group and may also be involved in ritual-related activities.

Items recovered from them include a small coffin and various local charms and soaps believed to be associated with ritual practices.

The Commissioner said a comprehensive investigation has been ordered to uncover the extent of their activities and identify other members of the criminal network.

The Command also announced the arrest of another suspect connected to a failed kidnapping attempt that occurred in Ijebu-Jesa on May 7, 2026.

Police had earlier arrested the principal suspect, Umaru Adamu, after foiling the attempted abduction of one Yahaya Sulaimon. Further intelligence and technical analysis later led to the arrest of another suspect, Buhari Mutari, in the Seyin area of Oyo State.

Additionally, police operatives arrested eight other suspects during raids on criminal hideouts and black spots across the state. The suspects were identified as David Ayomide (20), Akanbi Adijat (39), Kareem Afeez (25), Ajewale Abidemi (23), Oladipupo Temitope (30), Adeleke Chalse (25), Chibueze David (25), and Abayomi Sunday (25).

They are being investigated for offences including theft, unlawful possession of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, hooliganism, and other criminal activities. The Command said all suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.

CP Gotan reaffirmed the Command's commitment to combating kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across Osun State.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains essential to maintaining peace and security.

The Commissioner also praised the professionalism and bravery displayed by police operatives involved in the various operations and assured residents that Osun State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the state of criminal elements.