Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers and arrested an alleged gang leader during a coordinated intelligence-led operation along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan road axis of the state.
The operation followed investigations into the abduction of three residents in the Ipojo area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu, an incident that heightened concerns over growing kidnapping activities in parts of Ogun State.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abeokuta, saying operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a manhunt after the victims regained freedom following the payment of ransom.
According to the police, the victims were abducted earlier in the week and later released unharmed after negotiations with the kidnappers.
Babaseyi said intelligence gathered after the victims’ release helped security operatives trace the gang’s hideout located along the busy Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan road corridor.
“On the 15th of May, 2026, at about 5:00 a.m., operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed the kidnappers’ hideout,” the police spokesperson said.
He explained that the suspects opened fire immediately they sighted the approaching police team, 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,” he added.
Police authorities later identified the alleged gang leader as Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi. Another suspect, Mohammed Bello, was also arrested during follow-up operations carried out after the gun battle.
Security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a single-barrel gun, mobile phones and a black bag believed to have been used during the criminal operation.
The police also recovered N1.5 million suspected to be part of the ransom collected from the victims’ relatives.
According to the command, the bodies of the two slain suspects have been deposited at a morgue for autopsy in line with standard police procedure.
The police said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full network of the syndicate and track down fleeing gang members believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
Kidnapping has remained a major security concern across several parts of Nigeria, including communities along interstate highways linking the South-West to other regions of the country.
Residents and commuters have repeatedly raised alarm over attacks along isolated road corridors, prompting increased security operations by law enforcement agencies.
Reacting to the latest operation, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended members of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for what he described as bravery, professionalism and resilience.
Ojajuni reiterated the command’s commitment to dismantling kidnapping networks and violent criminal gangs operating within the state.
“The command remains unwavering in its commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State,” the statement quoted the commissioner as saying.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, unfamiliar gatherings or criminal activities through the command’s emergency channels.
