Residents of Isua Akoko in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State were on Thursday relieved following the rescue of a man abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ifira–Isua Akoko Road.

The Ondo State Police Command said the incident occurred on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at about 4:10 p.m., when four armed men reportedly ambushed road users along the Ifira/Isua Akoko axis.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, during the attack, a 25-year-old man, Jimoh Isah, who was riding a Bajaj motorcycle with his wife, Esther, 22, and their son, was forcefully taken away by the assailants.

His wife, child, and a physically challenged man were said to be abandoned at the scene.

According to the police, a distress report was promptly received at the Isua Divisional Police Headquarters, prompting the Divisional Police Officer to mobilise operatives in collaboration with non-state actors.

The joint security team immediately stormed the area and carried out an intensive bush-combing operation across surrounding forests, while also monitoring possible escape routes.

The Command said sustained search efforts, intelligence-led operations, and coordinated pressure on the suspects forced them to abandon the victim, who was later rescued unharmed. He has since been reunited with his family.

Meanwhile, the police said efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects involved in the kidnapping.

Commending the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to combat crime and criminality across the state.

He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, for his leadership and policing reforms, which he said have strengthened intelligence sharing and operational coordination nationwide.

The Commissioner further assured residents of the Command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, while urging members of the public to continue to provide credible and timely information to security agencies.