The Ogun State Police Command has killed two suspected kidnappers and arrested two others, including a key figure, during a coordinated intelligence-driven operation in the Atan axis of Ijebu.
The Command confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday in Abeokuta, issued by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.
Babaseyi said the raid was executed by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following investigations into the abduction of three persons at Ipojo area, Iperin, Atan-Ijebu.
He explained that the victims were abducted on Monday and later regained freedom on Thursday after an undisclosed ransom was paid.
According to him, operatives stepped up surveillance and tracking efforts immediately after the victims were released, leading to a breakthrough in the case.
Acting on actionable intelligence, the operatives stormed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan expressway around 5am on Friday.
On sighting the police team, the suspects reportedly opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle between both sides.
The confrontation led to the death of two suspected kidnappers, while several others fled into the nearby forest with gunshot wounds.
Subsequent follow-up operations led to the arrest of the alleged gang leader, Seriki Abdullahi, and another suspect, Mohammed Bello.
“The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the neutralisation of two of the suspected kidnappers.
“Other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of bullet injuries,” he said.
Babaseyi added that officers recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, as well as a single-barrel gun.
He further disclosed that N1.5 million believed to be ransom money, multiple mobile phones, and a black bag connected to the operation were also recovered.
He stated that the remains of the neutralised suspects had been deposited in a morgue for autopsy in line with standard procedure.
He added that investigations were ongoing to dismantle the gang’s wider network and track down fleeing members.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bode Ojajuni, praised the operatives for their bravery, discipline, and professionalism during the operation.
Ojajuni reiterated the Command’s determination to sustain the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State.
