Ogun State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against violent crime, rescuing seven kidnapped victims, neutralising three suspected kidnappers and arresting 38 suspects during a series of coordinated operations across the state.
The command said the arrests included 23 foreign nationals linked to an alleged visa and Ponzi scam, 12 suspected cultists, a suspected armed robber and an alleged fraudster posing as a clergyman.
Police also recovered an AK-47 rifle, a submachine gun, 75 rounds of live ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, cash and other exhibits.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the rescue of the kidnap victims followed a joint operation involving the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
The victims were abducted on July 29 along Paraga Street in Ipara, Ogun State.
The police said intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated ground operations were sustained for several days before aerial support was deployed after Governor Dapo Abiodun requested assistance from the Inspector-General of Police.
The additional support enabled security operatives to locate the kidnappers’ hideout and rescue all seven victims.
One of the rescued victims, who sustained a gunshot wound during the abduction, was taken to the police hospital for treatment alongside the others.
The operation continued after the rescue as security operatives tracked the gang to another hideout along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway on August 6.
During a gun battle, three suspected kidnappers were killed, while other members of the gang escaped with suspected gunshot injuries.
Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, four mobile phones and ₦2.3 million believed to have been linked to the gang.
In another operation, officers attached to the Itele Division arrested a suspected armed robber after a commercial motorcyclist reported an attempted robbery.
The suspect was allegedly caught with a locally fabricated double-barrel pistol, while his accomplice escaped with the victim’s motorcycle. Police also recovered charms, a mobile phone and an ATM card from the suspect.
At Atan-Ota, police arrested 23 foreign nationals during a raid on a residential building over alleged visa fraud, Ponzi scheme activities and immigration-related offences.
Following preliminary investigations, 21 of the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, while two others remain in police custody over alleged obtaining by false pretence and related offences.
The command also announced the arrest of an alleged serial fraudster identified as Kehinde Makinde, popularly known as “Pastor Kenny.”
Investigators alleged that the suspect deceived victims across Ogun, Oyo and Osun states under the guise of conducting spiritual deliverance.
Police said he allegedly collected about ₦2.5 million from 18 fellowship members after promising to organise a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem and pay each participant ₦2 million.
In a separate development, operatives of the Sakura Division recovered an English-made submachine gun and 75 rounds of live ammunition concealed inside a wardrobe in a rented apartment previously occupied by a deceased landlord.
At Igbesa, officers of the Idi Oke Division foiled a suspected cult gathering, arresting 12 suspects.
Recovered during the operation were eight motorcycles, a Lexus vehicle, a Toyota Camry, battle axes, knives, charms and other suspected cult items.
Police also recovered a stolen Toyota Hilux in Owode-Egba and arrested a suspect accused of stealing a commercial tricycle, while another abandoned motorcycle was recovered in Sagamu.
Commending the success of the operations, Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for facilitating the deployment of a police helicopter, which strengthened the rescue mission.
He also applauded the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the DSS, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their collaboration.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
> “The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents,” the statement said.
