Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have neutralized two suspected kidnappers and arrested an alleged 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 an 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 a statement issued on Friday by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation followed investigations into the abduction of three persons at Ipojo Area, Iperin, Atan-Ijebu, on May 11, 2026.
The police disclosed that the victims regained their freedom unharmed on May 14 at about 7:30 p.m. after the payment of an unspecified ransom.
Following the victims’ release, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified efforts to track down members of the gang responsible for the abduction.
The statement noted that at about 5:00 a.m. on May 15, operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed the kidnappers’ hideout along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis of Ogun State.
“On sighting the Police operatives, the suspects opened fire, leading to a fierce gun duel. The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the neutralization of two of the suspected kidnappers, while other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of bullet injuries,” the statement read.
Police further revealed that follow-up intelligence operations led to the arrest of the suspected kingpin and another gang member, as well as the recovery of additional incriminating items linked to the criminal operation.
The corpses of the neutralized suspects have been deposited at a morgue for autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
The Command stated that investigations are ongoing to unravel the full network of the gang and ensure 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, reiterating the Command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines.
