Police Rescue Abducted Woman, Arrest Four Suspects in Owo Operation
A 26-year-old woman abducted by suspected kidnappers in Owo, Ondo State, has been rescued by the police following a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of a vehicle allegedly used in the crime.
The victim, identified as Ogechi John, was reportedly forcefully taken away on June 8, 2026, at Gozako Filling Station along the Emure–Akure Expressway by armed men who arrived in an ash-coloured Toyota Camry without registration plates.
According to the Ondo State Police Command, a swift response involving police operatives, Amotekun personnel, local hunters and vigilantes was launched immediately after the incident was reported. Security teams secured strategic entry and exit points around Owo and neighbouring communities while tactical units combed surrounding bushes and suspected escape routes.
The operation yielded a breakthrough when the suspected getaway vehicle was discovered abandoned in a bush at Ojana, Owo. Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, operatives arrested four suspects allegedly linked to the abduction.
The suspects were identified as Friday Shola, 27; Friday Monday, 21; Osho Joseph, 24; and Lawal Mariam.
Police said one of the suspects revealed during interrogation that the abandoned Toyota Camry had been handed over to a herbalist, Lawal Lucky of Idimepe Street, Owo, who remains at large.
Authorities confirmed that sustained intelligence-led efforts eventually led to the successful rescue of the victim, who has since been reunited with her family and is receiving necessary support.
The Command noted that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, praised their professionalism, resilience and swift response. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and assured residents that criminal elements would not find safe haven in the state.
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.
The Ondo State Police Command reiterated its resolve to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure that all those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.
