The Ondo State Police Command has rescued 12 passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Isua-Akoko axis of the state following a coordinated overnight rescue operation involving police operatives, local hunters, and other security stakeholders.
The victims were kidnapped in the early hours of Saturday after armed men intercepted two commercial Hummer buses conveying passengers from Benue State to Ibadan and forced several occupants into a nearby forest.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m., prompting an immediate security response by the command.
According to the statement, “The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Felix Ohagwu, successfully rescued 12 kidnapped victims following a kidnapping incident that occurred at Isua in the early hours of May 23, 2026.”
The police explained that upon receiving the distress call, operatives were swiftly mobilised to the scene alongside local hunters and other security collaborators to commence a bush-combing operation across the surrounding forests where the victims were believed to have been taken.
“The combined rescue team carried out intensive searches across difficult terrains while intelligence-led surveillance and strategic tracking efforts were simultaneously intensified to trail the fleeing suspects and facilitate the safe rescue of the remaining victims,” the statement noted.
The command disclosed that the sustained pressure mounted on the kidnappers yielded results as 12 victims, including the drivers of the affected buses, were rescued alive from captivity.
It added that the rescued victims were receiving medical attention and support, while efforts were ongoing to reunite them with their families.
The police, however, noted that operations were still in progress to secure the release of other victims believed to be in captivity and to arrest those responsible for the attack.
“To reinforce the ongoing rescue and manhunt operations, additional tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed to the area,” the command stated.
Meanwhile, the commissioner of police conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the scene where he met with community leaders, vigilante groups, and other stakeholders to strengthen local collaboration in the rescue efforts.
During the engagement, Ohagwu stressed the need for sustained cooperation between security agencies and residents in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while commending the bravery and professionalism of the police operatives, hunters, and other security personnel involved in the operation.
Ohagwu also urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing timely and credible information capable of aiding ongoing operations and broader crime prevention efforts across the state.
Fidelis David
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