Police Rescue Abducted 61-Year-Old Woman, Recover Stolen Vehicle in Ondo

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have rescued a 61-year-old woman who was abducted by armed men in Owo Local Government Area and recovered the Toyota Matrix vehicle stolen during the attack.

The victim was kidnapped in the early hours of June 23, 2026 when armed men reportedly invaded her residence at about 2:50 a.m, abducted her and fled with her vehicle.

Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised operatives after receiving a distress report and launched a coordinated operation to track down the kidnappers.

According to Jimoh, the police intercepted the fleeing suspects around the outskirts and bush area of Ojana Phase 3, where a gun battle ensued.

"Upon receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised his operatives and launched a coordinated pursuit of the fleeing suspects.

"The police team intercepted the hoodlums around the outskirts and bush area of Ojana Phase 3, where an exchange of gunfire ensued," he said.

The police spokesperson said the operatives overpowered the gunmen during the confrontation, successfully rescued the abducted woman and recovered her stolen Toyota Matrix.

He added that the suspects escaped into the surrounding bush, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire.

According to the command, officers recovered several exhibits abandoned by the fleeing suspects at the scene, including two expended cartridges, a sandal believed to belong to one of the suspects and a torchlight.

Jimoh said security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing members of the criminal gang.

He added that the case has been transferred to the appropriate investigative unit for a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying, arresting and prosecuting everyone connected with the crime.

The latest operation comes as security agencies continue efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ondo State.