The Osun State Police Command confirmed the rescue of 50-year-old Haruna Yusuf following a confrontation with kidnappers. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan announced that the operation successfully recovered ₦2,217,800 intended for ransom.
Yusuf, a herdsman, was abducted on July 9, 2026, near Wasinmi Village. Local vigilantes joined forces with police to track the kidnappers, eventually escalating the case to the Violent Crime Response Unit. On July 12, officers moved in during a scheduled ransom drop at the Majeroku area on the Ibadan-Ife Expressway.
A gunfight broke out when suspects spotted the police. One kidnapper was wounded and captured, while the rest fled into the woods. The injured suspect is currently receiving medical care at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital. Authorities are continuing their search for the remaining gang members.
In a separate enforcement action, the Anti-Cultism Section apprehended three individuals linked to the Alora secret cult in Iree. Michael Oluwatobi, Busayo Joseph, and Abu Azeez were taken into custody on July 14, 2026. Commissioner Gotan has initiated a full investigation into their criminal activities.
