Police operatives
Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers and the arrest of a suspected gang kingpin during a coordinated intelligence-led operation along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis of the state.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the 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 by the gang.
The command’s spokesman, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abeokuta.
According to the statement, the operation followed sustained investigations into the abduction of three persons at Ipojo Area, Iperin, Atan-Ijebu, Ogun State, on May 11, 2026.
Police said the victims regained freedom unharmed on May 14 at about 7:30 p.m. after their captors reportedly collected an unspecified ransom.
Following the release of the victims, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified efforts to track down the gang responsible for the abduction.
“Consequently, on the 15th of May 2026 at about 5:00 a.m., operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed the kidnappers’ hideout located along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis of Ogun State,” the statement said.
The command explained that the suspects opened fire immediately they sighted the operatives, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the neutralization of two of the suspected kidnappers, while other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of bullet injuries,” Babaseyi stated.
Police further disclosed that follow-up operations led to the arrest of the suspected kingpin, identified as Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, alongside another gang member, Mohammed Bello.
The command added that additional incriminating items linked to the criminal operation were also recovered during the raid.
According to the statement, the bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at a morgue for autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
“All recovered exhibits have been secured, while investigation continues to unravel the full network of the gang and facilitate prosecution of the arrested suspects,” the police spokesman added.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for what he described as their gallantry, professionalism and resilience in combating violent crimes.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or criminal activities through the command’s emergency lines.
