The Ekiti State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping operation in Ayede Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area, arresting two suspects allegedly involved in the plot.

The suspects, identified as 23-year-old Mumini Muhammed and 22-year-old Kehinde Oseni, were apprehended during a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, officers from the Ayede Ekiti Divisional Police Headquarters, and local vigilantes.

According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, the operation took place on Saturday in a forest along the Are–Afao Road/Ayede Ekiti axis.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly planning to kidnap a resident of Ayede Ekiti. They were intercepted while attempting to sell two stolen cows for ₦1.5 million, with the proceeds reportedly intended to fund the planned abduction.

Abutu said the suspects confessed to the crime during interrogation and provided useful information to investigators.

He added that efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang and recover firearms and other weapons believed to be in their possession.

The police spokesperson also confirmed that the stolen cattle have been recovered and returned to their rightful owner.

The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

He urged residents to remain vigilant, obey the law, and continue to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will aid efforts to combat criminal activities.

The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.