Operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command have successfully thwarted a planned kidnapping operation in Ayede Ekiti, located in Oye Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, the operation led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Mumini Muhammed (23) and Kehinde Oseni (22).
The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation while attempting to sell stolen cattle, with proceeds allegedly intended to fund the planned abduction.
Abutu disclosed that the arrest took place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m., along the Are–Afao Road/Ayede Ekiti axis.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit in collaboration with officers from the Ayede Ekiti Divisional Police Headquarters and local vigilante groups.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had concluded plans to kidnap a resident of the community before their arrest. They were intercepted while trying to sell two stolen cows valued at approximately ₦1.5 million.
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During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crime and provided additional useful information to aid ongoing investigations.
The police command confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover firearms and other weapons believed to be in their possession.
The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the rightful owner of the stolen cattle has been identified, and the animals have been returned.
The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
He also urged residents to remain law-abiding and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that can help in curbing criminal activities.
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