Police Rescue Abducted Herder, Recover N2.2m Ransom

On July 12, 2026, the Osun State Police Command successfully rescued Haruna Yusuf, a 50-year-old Fulani herdsman, who had been abducted by four suspects. The operation was led by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) after receiving intelligence regarding the ransom payment process.

During the operation at a drop-off point in the Majeroku area along the Ibadan-If expressway, police engaged in a gun battle with the kidnappers, resulting in one suspect, Usman Aliyu, being injured and arrested. The police recovered N2,217,800, which was part of the ransom, and confirmed that the victim was rescued unharmed.

The police are continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping gang. Additionally, the police announced the arrest of three suspects linked to cultism and ritualistic activities, further emphasizing their commitment to combating violent crime in the state.