The Ondo State Police Command has successfully rescued twelve passengers who were abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Isua-Akoko axis of the state. This significant breakthrough followed a coordinated overnight rescue operation involving a dedicated team of police operatives, local hunters, and other security stakeholders. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, May 23, 2026, when armed men intercepted two commercial Hummer buses that were conveying passengers from Benue State to Ibadan, subsequently forcing several occupants into a nearby forest.

Confirming the development in a statement issued on Saturday, Abayomi Jimoh, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the abduction took place around 1:30 a.m. This prompted an immediate and decisive security response from the command. Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police (CP) Felix Ohagwu, the Ondo State Police Command swiftly mobilized operatives to the scene. Alongside local hunters and other security collaborators, an intensive bush-combing operation was immediately launched across the surrounding forests, where the victims were believed to have been taken.

The combined rescue team meticulously carried out intensive searches across challenging terrains. Concurrently, intelligence-led surveillance and strategic tracking efforts were significantly intensified to trail the fleeing suspects and facilitate the safe rescue of all victims. The sustained pressure exerted on the kidnappers proved successful, leading to the liberation of twelve victims, including the drivers of the affected buses, all rescued alive from captivity. The command further disclosed that these rescued individuals are currently receiving necessary medical attention and support, with ongoing efforts to reunite them with their respective families.

Despite this success, police operations are still in progress to secure the release of other victims who are believed to remain in captivity and to apprehend those responsible for the heinous attack. To bolster these ongoing rescue and manhunt operations, additional tactical and intelligence assets have been strategically deployed to the affected area, demonstrating the command's unwavering commitment.

In a direct response to the incident, CP Felix Ohagwu personally conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the scene. During his visit, he engaged with community leaders, vigilante groups, and other critical stakeholders, emphasizing the crucial need for sustained cooperation between security agencies and local residents. Ohagwu underscored that such collaboration is vital in effectively combating kidnapping and other forms of violent crime prevalent across the state. He also reaffirmed the command’s steadfast commitment to protecting lives and property, while commending the bravery, swift response, and professionalism displayed by the police operatives, local hunters, tactical teams, and all other security personnel involved in the arduous operation.

Furthermore, CP Ohagwu urged residents throughout the state to maintain calm, remain vigilant, and provide timely and credible information to security agencies. Such support is crucial for aiding both ongoing operations and broader crime prevention efforts. The Command reiterated its resolute determination to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes, pledging to deploy all lawful means necessary to ensure the safety and security of all residents across Ondo State.