The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a 26-year-old woman who was kidnapped in Owo, Ondo State, and arrested four suspects linked to the crime following a coordinated operation involving police officers, Amotekun operatives, local hunters, and vigilante groups.
The victim, identified as Ogechi John, was abducted on Monday, along the Emure–Akure Expressway near Gozako Filling Station in Owo, by armed men who arrived in an ash-coloured Toyota Camry without registration plates.
According to the spokesperson for the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, security agencies swiftly launched a joint operation after receiving a distress report about the abduction.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Jimoh said security operatives immediately secured major entry and exit routes in Owo and neighbouring communities, while tactical teams combed surrounding forests and possible escape paths in search of the victim and her abductors.
The operation led to the discovery of the suspected getaway vehicle abandoned in a bush at Ojana, Owo.
Police said intelligence gathered during the operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects who were allegedly found in possession of a woman’s motorcycle believed to be connected to the abduction.
The suspects were identified as Friday Shola, 27; Friday Monday, 21; Osho Joseph, 24; and Lawal Mariam.
Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects allegedly told investigators that the abandoned vehicle had been handed over to a herbalist, identified as Lawal Lucky of Idimepe Street, Owo, who is currently on the run.
The police further disclosed that sustained intelligence-driven operations and pressure mounted on the criminal network eventually led to the successful rescue of the victim.
“Most importantly, sustained operational pressure and intelligence-driven efforts by the police culminated in the successful rescue of the victim,” the statement said.
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The rescued woman is currently receiving necessary support, according to the command.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, commended the security operatives involved in the mission, describing their response as swift and professional.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state and warned that criminals would find no safe haven in Ondo.
The police also appealed to residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects and unravel the full circumstances surrounding the kidnapping.
