Police rescue abducted Oyo headmaster after coordinated security operation

Police rescue abducted Oyo headmaster after coordinated security operation

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the release of Mathew Owoade, the abducted headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Ogodu-Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, following a coordinated security operation that mounted intense pressure on his abductors and compelled them to abandon him.

The 60-year-old educator and farmer regained his freedom on Monday evening, less than 48 hours after he was kidnapped by suspected gunmen along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road, ending an ordeal that had sparked anxiety among residents, education stakeholders and the wider Oke Ogun community.

According to the Oyo State Police Command, the victim was rescued through a sustained joint operation involving police tactical teams and other security agencies, launched immediately after the incident was reported.

In a statement issued in Ibadan, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the swift deployment of security personnel and relentless investigative efforts forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim.

The police stated that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across Oyo State.

“Following the immediate deployment of a coordinated joint security operation and sustained investigative efforts by the Command, the intense operational pressure mounted on the abductors forced the hoodlums to abandon the victim, who regained his freedom on the evening of July 13, 2026,” the statement said.

Following his release, Owoade was taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment to ensure he was in stable condition after the traumatic experience.

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The command disclosed that investigators would formally debrief the headmaster after his medical assessment to obtain useful intelligence that could assist in identifying the kidnappers, tracking their movements and bringing all those involved in the crime to justice.

Police authorities stressed that investigations remain ongoing, with operatives already pursuing credible leads aimed at dismantling the criminal network responsible for the abduction.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Olugbenga Abimbola, commended the professionalism and collaboration demonstrated by security agencies, local vigilantes, hunters and members of the host community whose timely information contributed to the victim’s safe recovery.

He also appreciated residents for remaining calm and cooperating with security operatives throughout the rescue operation.

The police chief reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that no effort would be spared in ensuring that those responsible for the kidnapping are apprehended and prosecuted.

He further warned criminal elements operating within the state to desist from their activities or face the full weight of the law, stressing that Oyo State would not become a safe haven for kidnappers and other violent criminals.

The successful rescue comes just days after security agencies secured the release of dozens of pupils, teachers and caregivers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, reinforcing what security officials describe as improved intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity across the state.

Although the circumstances surrounding Owoade’s release have not been fully disclosed, security experts say the operation reflects the growing emphasis on intelligence-led policing and coordinated security responses to kidnapping cases in Oyo State.

Residents of Itesiwaju and neighbouring communities have welcomed the headmaster’s release, while renewing calls for increased security patrols along rural roads and farming settlements that have increasingly become targets for armed kidnappers.

The Police Command appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information that would assist security agencies in preventing crime and responding swiftly to security threats across the state.

Authorities assured residents that investigations would continue until every individual connected with the abduction is identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Police rescue abducted Oyo headmaster after coordinated security operation