Tension gripped parts of Oyo State after security operatives engaged suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle during a rescue operation in the Oke-Ogun area.
The dramatic operation ended with three suspected kidnappers neutralised and one abducted victim rescued alive from captivity.
According to the Oyo State Police Command, the hunters narrowly escaped death after suspected kidnappers opened fire on them inside the forest area.
Fortunately, no casualty was recorded among the hunters during the initial attack.
However, the distress call immediately triggered a coordinated response involving police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, security teams were mobilised after credible intelligence was received about the armed group operating within the area.
Furthermore, the police explained that the suspects attacked operatives immediately they sighted the advancing security team.
“A response team comprising police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies was immediately mobilised to the scene at Otu following credible intelligence,” the statement read.
Ayanlade added that the suspects engaged security operatives in a gun duel.
However, security personnel reportedly responded with superior tactical force during the confrontation.
The police said the operation eventually led to the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers.
Consequently, one abducted victim identified as Mosudi Gbolagade was rescued during the operation.
The victim, said to be about 50 years old, was reportedly kidnapped earlier at Okaka before being moved into the forest area at Otu.
Although the victim sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange, authorities confirmed he was rescued alive.
He has since been taken for urgent medical treatment and is currently receiving care.
Meanwhile, one local hunter also suffered gunshot injuries during the operation.
“Regrettably, one of the local hunters sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and was promptly rushed to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical care,” the police added.
In addition, security operatives recovered weapons from the scene, including one AK-47 rifle, one single-barrel gun, and a machete.
The recovered items, according to authorities, further confirmed the violent nature of the criminal gang.
Residents have praised the collaboration between local hunters and security agencies during the operation.
