The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended two individuals in the Atiba area of Ijebu-Ode, with initial investigations connecting them to a kidnapping and murder incident in the Okada area of Edo State.
Intelligence-Led Operation
According to a statement from the command, the breakthrough resulted from intelligence-led operations conducted by its Anti-Kidnapping Unit, which built upon earlier arrests made by operatives of the Nigeria Forest Security Service. The suspects have been identified as Gafaru Adamu, aged 25, and Muhammed Sanni, aged 20.
Following extensive profiling and investigation, the suspects were identified as Gafaru Adamu and Muhammed Sanni. Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects are wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into a kidnapping and murder case reported in the Okada area of Edo State, the statement said.
Alleged Syndicate Involvement
Intelligence also suggests that they may be part of a seven-member syndicate believed to be responsible for the crime. Further intelligence gathered by the command indicates that the suspects are alleged members of a seven-man kidnapping syndicate linked to the incident under investigation, the police stated.
During the course of the investigation, operatives recovered one pair of police camouflage uniform and three mobile phones from the suspects.
Transfer to Edo State
The command noted that since the alleged offenses occurred outside Ogun State, the suspects and recovered exhibits will be transferred to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution, in line with inter-state policing procedures. Commissioner of Police CP Bode Ojajuni praised the operatives for what he described as a coordinated and intelligence-driven operation, emphasizing that the arrests reflect the command's commitment to tackling criminal networks operating across state lines.
He reaffirmed that the Ogun Police Command will continue to strengthen intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration to prevent criminals from using the state as a safe haven or transit route. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies, assuring that such cooperation remains vital in the fight against kidnapping and violent crime.
