Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have neutralised a suspected kidnapping kingpin and recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, N2 million in cash, and two mobile phones. The suspect was killed during an intelligence-led operation at a criminal hideout in the Orile Ilugun Forest area along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
Operation Details
The command's spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the development in a statement released yesterday. He explained that the operation followed the successful rescue of a victim who had been abducted on May 14, 2026, at Nufats Fuel Station along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway in the Odeda area. The victim was freed unharmed on May 18, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m. after being released by the abductors.
After the victim's release, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified intelligence-driven efforts to apprehend the members of the criminal gang responsible for the abduction.
Gun Duel at Hideout
“On May 19, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed the kidnappers' hideout within the Orile Ilugun Forest area along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway,” Babaseyi said. “On sighting the police operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a fierce gun duel. The operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, leading to the killing of the gang's kingpin, while other members of the syndicate fled into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.”
Babaseyi added that the corpse of the suspected kingpin has been deposited at a morgue for autopsy in accordance with standard procedure. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Police Commissioner Commends Operatives
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the gallantry, professionalism, and resilience displayed by the operatives during the operation. He reiterated the command's commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State.
