Oyo Police Rescue Abducted Egyptian National Within 24 Hours, No Ransom Paid
On September 10, 2025, the Oyo State Police Command in Nigeria successfully rescued a kidnapped Egyptian national in Ibadan, concluding the operation within 24 hours of the abduction without any ransom being paid. The swift action, involving coordinated efforts from multiple units and local partners, highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in combating rising kidnapping incidents in southwestern Nigeria. The victim, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed for security reasons, was abducted on September 8, 2025, in the Alomaja area of Idi-Ayunre, a suburb of Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital. This rescue comes amid a surge in kidnappings targeting expatriates and high-profile individuals in the region, often linked to cross-border criminal networks.
Key Details of the Rescue Operation
- Abduction Incident: The Egyptian national was kidnapped around 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025, while traveling in a vehicle along the Alomaja-Idi-Ayunre road in Ibadan. Eyewitnesses reported that armed assailants, numbering about five, intercepted the victim’s vehicle, overpowered him, and fled toward forested areas bordering Oyo and Ogun States. The motive appears to be financial gain, as kidnappers immediately contacted the victim’s family demanding a substantial ransom, though the exact amount was not disclosed by authorities.
- Rescue Timeline and Execution: Acting on credible intelligence, the Oyo State Police Command launched a rapid response operation under the directive of Commissioner of Police CP Femi Haruna. By Tuesday, September 9, joint teams comprising operatives from the 4th Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron in Ibadan, the Command’s Intelligence and Tactical Units, local vigilantes, and support from the Ogun State Police Command conducted a combing exercise in dense forests and border regions between the two states. The victim was located and rescued unharmed around midday on September 10, approximately 40 hours after the abduction but within the 24-hour operational window claimed by police spokespersons.
- Post-Rescue Actions: The rescued Egyptian was immediately transported to the Police Hospital in Eleyele, Ibadan, for a comprehensive medical evaluation to rule out any injuries or trauma. Following clearance, he was reunited with his family. No arrests were made during the rescue, and police have not confirmed if suspects are in custody, but investigations are ongoing to track the perpetrators. The operation emphasized non-violent tactics, avoiding direct confrontation to prioritize the victim’s safety.
- Official Statement: In a press release issued by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Adewale Osifeso, the command praised the collaborative effort, stating, “The swift intervention demonstrates our commitment to the security of lives and property, especially for foreign nationals contributing to our economy.” The statement also urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly.
Background on the Incident and Regional Context
Oyo State, particularly Ibadan, has seen an uptick in kidnappings since early 2025, with expatriates becoming prime targets due to perceived wealth and international connections. The Egyptian national was reportedly in Nigeria for business purposes, possibly related to construction or trade, sectors where Egyptian firms have a presence. Kidnappings in this region often involve gangs operating from forested hideouts along interstate borders, exploiting porous boundaries between Oyo and Ogun States for quick escapes.
This case echoes similar incidents, such as the July 2025 abduction of an Indian engineer in nearby Lagos, rescued after 48 hours, and a string of attacks on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The Oyo Police Command has intensified patrols and intelligence gathering in response, including partnerships with community vigilantes like the Oyo State Vigilance Security Network. Nationally, Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis has drawn international attention, with the U.S. State Department issuing travel advisories for Oyo and neighboring states in August 2025.
The rapid resolution without ransom payment is notable, as many cases in Nigeria involve payouts exceeding $100,000, fueling the crime cycle. Police attributed the success to tip-offs from locals and advanced tracking, though details on technology used (e.g., drones or signal jamming) remain classified.
Broader Implications
- Security Enhancements: The rescue bolsters confidence in the Oyo State Police’s capabilities under CP Haruna, who assumed office in June 2025 with a mandate to curb violent crimes. It may encourage more foreign investment in Oyo, a hub for agriculture, education, and manufacturing. However, critics, including civil society groups like the Nigerian Bar Association’s Oyo Branch, argue that underlying issues like unemployment and arms proliferation need addressing beyond reactive operations.
- Impact on Expatriates: For the Egyptian community in Nigeria—estimated at over 5,000, many in commerce and engineering—this incident underscores vulnerabilities. The Egyptian Embassy in Abuja issued a statement on September 11, 2025, commending the Nigerian authorities and calling for sustained vigilance. Similar rescues have prompted calls for better consular support and private security for foreigners.
- Challenges Ahead: While no ransom was paid, the escape of suspects raises concerns about recidivism. Oyo Police have vowed to dismantle the gang, potentially leading to arrests in the coming days. The incident also highlights interstate coordination needs, as kidnappers frequently cross into Ogun or Osun States.
Reactions and Public Response
- Official Praise: Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State congratulated the police via his X account, stating, “This swift action is a testament to our administration’s zero-tolerance for crime. Safety first for all residents and visitors.” The Nigerian Police Force’s national headquarters echoed this, using the case to showcase improved response times.
- Media and Social Media Buzz: Nigerian outlets like The Sun, News Express, and Inf land covered the story extensively, with headlines emphasizing the “dramatic 24-hour rescue.” On X (formerly Twitter), posts from accounts like @News_HubNG and @BriefCastNg garnered hundreds of views, with users expressing relief: “Great job by Oyo Police! Foreigners are safe here” (from a verified Ibadan resident). However, some voiced skepticism, tweeting, “One rescue doesn’t end the kidnapping menace—need more funding for police.”
- Community Sentiment: Local vigilantes in Idi-Ayunre hailed the operation, crediting their role in providing real-time intel. No protests or backlash reported, unlike previous high-profile kidnappings that sparked public outrage.
This rescue operation stands as a positive development in Nigeria’s security landscape, demonstrating proactive policing amid ongoing challenges. As investigations continue, updates on arrests or further details may emerge from the Oyo State Police Command. For expatriates and locals alike, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in high-risk areas.