Osun Police Nab 10 Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Arms, Vehicles in Ife North

There was heightened security presence in Osun State over the weekend as operatives of the Osun State Police Command arrested ten suspected kidnappers and cultists during a raid on a popular lounge in Moro, Ife North Local Government Area.

Akahi News gathered that the suspects — nine men and one woman — were apprehended on Saturday, 25th October 2025, following credible intelligence that led to a swift operation by the Police Rapid Response Unit (PRU).

Police Foil Attack After Gun Duel

The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed that his men were alerted after residents reported sporadic gunshots in the area. Acting swiftly, a team of PRU operatives was deployed to the scene where the suspects allegedly opened fire on the police team.

Gotan explained that the officers repelled the attack and subdued the armed gang without any casualties. “Upon receiving the distress call, our men immediately mobilised to the scene. On sighting the police, the suspected criminals opened fire, but our gallant officers responded decisively and repelled the attack,” the Commissioner said.

Identities of the Suspects

Akahi News learnt that those arrested include: Adebayo Olalekan (27), ‎Hammed Abdullah (47), Olajide Opeyemi (34), Olushola Samson (24), Salako Opeyemi (20), Majekodunmi Shefiu (32), Ganiyu Yusuf (24), Ridwan Temitope (25), Taofeek Yusuf (25), and Babafemi Adelowo (28).

During the operation, police recovered five firearms, five vehicles, and ten motorcycles believed to have been used in the gang’s operations. The owner and supervisor of the lounge, who reportedly fled the scene, are currently being hunted by security agents.

Additional Arrest in Osogbo

In a related development, Akahi News gathered that operatives of the Anti-Thuggery Unit of the Command arrested one Lekan Jamiu, an alleged notorious thug linked to a criminal syndicate operating within Osogbo and its environs.

According to the Commissioner, Jamiu was intercepted in a suspicious manner during a routine patrol. A search conducted on him led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, four live cartridges, twelve 9mm live ammunition, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and assorted charms.

“It was alleged that the suspect is a well-known gang member involved in violent activities across the state,” Gotan noted.

Police Reassure Residents

Gotan assured residents that the Osun Police Command will continue to intensify its crackdown on criminal networks. He urged the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements or gatherings to security agencies.

“The safety and security of Osun citizens remain our top priority. We will not relent until all criminal elements are flushed out of the state,” the Police Commissioner declared.

Akahi News earlier reported that the Command had been strengthening community intelligence systems and carrying out regular raids to combat cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the state.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org