The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a 26-year-old woman who was allegedly abducted in Owo and arrested four suspects in connection with the crime, while also recovering the vehicle believed to have been used in the operation.
Spokesperson of the state command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this on Tuesday, saying the victim, identified as Ogechi John, was forcibly taken away by suspected kidnappers at Gozako Filling Station along the Emure–Akure Expressway on June 8, 2026.
According to the police, the suspects arrived at the scene in an ash-coloured, unregistered Toyota Camry before abducting the woman and fleeing to an unknown destination.
Following the distress report, the police launched a coordinated operation involving operatives of the Command, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes. Strategic entry and exit points within Owo and neighbouring communities were secured, while patrol and tactical teams combed surrounding bushes and suspected escape routes in search of the victim and her abductors.
The operation recorded an early breakthrough when the suspected getaway vehicle was discovered abandoned in a bush at Ojana, Owo.
Acting on intelligence gathered during the operation, police operatives arrested four suspects identified as Friday Shola, 27; Friday Monday, 21; Osho Joseph, 24; and Lawal Mariam. The suspects were reportedly found in possession of a lady’s motorcycle believed to be linked to the ongoing investigation.
During interrogation, one of the suspects allegedly revealed that the abandoned Toyota Camry had been handed over to a herbalist, Lawal Lucky of Idimepe Street, Owo, who is currently on the run.
The police said sustained pressure and intelligence-led operations eventually led to the successful rescue of the victim, who has since been reunited with safety and is receiving the necessary support.
Investigations are continuing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and identify additional persons who may have played roles in the crime.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, praised their professionalism, resilience and swift response.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and assured residents that criminal elements would not be allowed to find safe haven in Ondo.
The commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid crime prevention and investigations.
