ISUA AKOKO, Ondo State – In a swift and decisive operation, operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have rescued a kidnap victim and apprehended a key suspect in the Isua Akoko axis. The successful mission, carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, April 14, 2026, was the result of a coordinated intelligence-led effort aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating along the state’s northern borders.

The ordeal began on April 10, when a resident identified as Ahmadu reported to the Isua Division that a young cattle rearer had failed to return from a farm in Ipesi Akoko. The victim later revealed he had been ambushed at night by a three-man gang.

In a display of remarkable bravery, the victim resisted his captors during the abduction, engaging them in a physical struggle. During the scuffle, he managed to inflict a significant head injury on one of the suspects before being overpowered. This detail would later prove to be the "smoking gun" for investigators.

Acting on credible information and the victim's description, police operatives launched a tactical sweep of the area. At approximately 6:09 a.m. on Tuesday, a team stormed the Obasanjo Motor Park in Isua.

There, they identified and detained a man with a fresh, visible wound on his head that matched the victim’s account. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the kidnapping. The victim has since positively identified him as one of the three assailants.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the arrest and noted that the victim is currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.

"The suspect has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further interrogation as we track the remaining members of the gang," Jimoh stated. "This operation underscores our commitment to making Ondo State uninhabitable for criminals."

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered intensified surveillance in the Akoko South-East Local Government Area to prevent retaliatory attacks and ensure the safety of the agricultural and nomadic communities in the region.

Residents of Isua, Ipesi, and surrounding Akoko communities are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals—particularly those seeking medical treatment for unexplained injuries—to the nearest police station.