By Seun Ibiyemi
The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, neutralising a suspected kidnapping kingpin during an intelligence-led operation at a forest hideout along the Orile Ilugun axis of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, also led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, ₦2 million cash, and two mobile phones.
According to a statement issued by the Command, the operation followed the successful rescue of a kidnapped victim abducted on May 14, 2026, at Nufats Fuel Station in the Odeda area of Ogun State. The victim was reportedly released unharmed on May 18 at about 8:30 p.m.
Following the victim’s release, police operatives intensified intelligence-driven efforts to track down members of the kidnapping syndicate.
On May 19 at about 6:00 a.m., officers stormed the criminals’ hideout in the forest. Upon sighting the police, the suspects reportedly opened fire, resulting in a gun duel.
The police said its operatives responded with superior firepower, killing the gang’s kingpin, while other members of the syndicate escaped into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
Items recovered from the scene included an AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of ammunition, ₦2 million cash, and two mobile phones believed to belong to the suspects.
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The corpse of the neutralised suspect has been deposited in a morgue for autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the gang.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their professionalism and courage, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies through the Command’s emergency lines.
