The Ogun State Police Command has neutralised two suspected kidnappers and arrested a gang kingpin alongside another gang member during a fierce intelligence-led operation along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis of the state.
The operation, carried out by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a single-barrel gun, ₦1.5 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, several mobile phones, and a black bag believed to have been used in the criminal operation.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said the breakthrough followed sustained investigations into the abduction of three persons kidnapped on May 11, 2026, at the Ipojo area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu.
The victims were reportedly released unharmed on May 14 after the payment of an undisclosed ransom.
Following the victims’ release, detectives intensified efforts to track down members of the gang responsible for the abduction.
Police said the operation climaxed in the early hours of May 15 at about 5:00 a.m. when officers, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan corridor.
The suspects reportedly opened fire immediately they sighted the officers, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the neutralisation of two of the suspected kidnappers, while other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of bullet injuries,” the statement said.
Further follow-up operations later led to the arrest of the suspected kingpin, identified as Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, and another suspected gang member, Mohammed Bello.
Police also recovered additional incriminating exhibits linked to the syndicate during the operation.
The bodies of the two neutralised suspects have been deposited at a morgue for autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing members of the gang.
The Command said investigations were continuing to unravel the full network of the kidnapping syndicate and ensure the prosecution of the arrested suspects.
Commending the operatives for their gallantry and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines and the Gateway Shield toll-free number.
