Operatives of the Osun State Police Command have arrested a suspected kidnapper, Babangida Muhammed, during a sting operation while he was attempting to collect a N13 million ransom in Telemu area along Iwo/Ibadan Road.

In a Thursday statement, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspect was arrested on Thursday, September 4, by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) Team.

The police said the complainant had reported receiving threatening phone calls from an unknown caller who identified himself as Babangida Muhammed.

The caller allegedly threatened to kidnap the complainant and members of his family unless the sum of N13,000,000 was paid.

Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, operatives launched an intelligence-driven operation.

A meeting point was agreed at Telemu where the suspect directed the victim to bring the money.

At about 2:00pm on September 4, the complainant arrived at the location with the money as part of the operational plan.

Shortly after, the suspect arrived, picked up the box containing the money and attempted to flee into the bush.

“The police operatives immediately emerged from their covert positions and arrested him before he could escape,” the statement reads in part.

The suspect is currently in police custody as investigation continues to determine if other persons were involved in the alleged offence.

The police said the suspect was arrested over an alleged case of sabotage, attempted kidnapping and demanding with menace and would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

CP Zungura commended the operatives for their “professionalism, courage and intelligence-led approach” to the operation.

He also assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and combating kidnapping across the state.

The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or threats to the nearest police station. (The Sun)