Ogun Police neutralize two suspected kidnappers, arrest kingpin
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have neutralized two suspected kidnappers and arrested an alleged kingpin, identified as Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, alongside another suspected gang member, Mohammed Bello, during an intelligence-led operation in Ogun 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, N1.5 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, several mobile phones, and a black bag.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi B. Babasẹyi, the operation followed investigations into the abduction of three persons at the Ipojo Area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu, on May 11, 2026.
The victims were reportedly released unharmed on May 14 after the payment of an unspecified ransom.
Following their release, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit intensified efforts to track down members of the gang responsible for the abduction.
The statement disclosed that police operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the suspects’ hideout along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis at about 5 a.m. on May 15.
The suspects allegedly opened fire on sighting the operatives, leading to a gun duel.
Police authorities said two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralized during the exchange, while other gang members escaped into the surrounding forest with suspected gunshot injuries.
Subsequent follow-up operations led to the arrest of the alleged kingpin and another gang member, alongside the recovery of additional incriminating items linked to the kidnapping operation.
The police added that the corpses of the deceased suspects had been deposited at a morgue for autopsy, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate.
Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their professionalism and resilience, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The Command also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through its emergency lines.