By our Reporter
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have neutralised two suspected kidnappers and arrested a suspected kidnapping kingpin, identified as Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, alongside another gang member, Mohammed Bello, during an intelligence-led operation in the state.
The operation also led to the recovery of one 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.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation followed sustained investigations into the abduction of three persons at the Ipojo area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu, on May 11, 2026.
The victims were said to have regained their freedom unharmed on May 14 at about 7:30 p.m. after their captors reportedly collected an unspecified ransom.
Babaseyi disclosed that following the release of the victims, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified efforts to track down members of the gang responsible for the abduction.
He said the breakthrough came on May 15 at about 5:00 a.m. when operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout located along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis.
“On sighting the police operatives, the suspects opened fire, leading to a fierce gun duel. The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the neutralisation of two of the suspected kidnappers, while other gang members escaped into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of bullet injuries,” he said.
The police spokesman added that follow-up intelligence-led operations later led to the arrest of the suspected kingpin and another gang member, alongside the recovery of additional incriminating exhibits connected to the criminal operation.
He stated that the corpses of the neutralised suspects had been deposited at a morgue for autopsy, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate.
Babaseyi noted that all recovered exhibits had been secured as investigations continued to unravel the full network of the gang and facilitate the prosecution of the arrested suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their gallantry, professionalism, and resilience.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or criminal activities through its emergency lines.
