A major breakthrough has been recorded in Ogun State’s fight against kidnapping after operatives of the state Police Command neutralised two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered ₦2.2 million believed to be proceeds of criminal activities.
The operation, carried out by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, was part of an intensive manhunt launched after the abduction of a resident of Ogbe Village on June 11, 2026.
According to the Ogun State Police Command, the victim’s kidnapping triggered an immediate response, with specialised operatives deploying intelligence-driven tactics, surveillance measures and other operational resources aimed at rescuing the captive and dismantling the criminal network responsible for the attack.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed that sustained pressure mounted on the suspects eventually paid off when the victim regained freedom on June 18 without suffering any harm.
Following the successful rescue, police operatives shifted focus to identifying and apprehending members of the gang behind the crime.
The command said intelligence gathered during the investigation led officers to a suspected hideout used by the kidnappers within the state.
Describing what transpired during the operation, the police stated:
“Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives successfully traced members of the gang to their hideout within the state.
“On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire in a desperate attempt to resist arrest and escape.
“The operatives responded professionally, leading to a gun duel during which two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while other members of the gang fled the scene with gunshot injuries.”
The command explained that a search conducted after the exchange of gunfire uncovered several items believed to be linked to the gang’s activities.
It added: “A search conducted on one of the neutralised suspects led to the recovery of a single-barrel gun, while further examination of the scene yielded one expended cartridge, a mobile phone, and a cash sum of Two Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦2,200,000), reasonably suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.”
Police authorities said investigations are continuing, with efforts underway to track down other members of the syndicate who escaped during the operation.
The command also indicated that detectives are expanding their inquiries to uncover the full scope of the gang’s activities and possible links to other kidnapping incidents within and outside the state.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its courage, professionalism and effectiveness in tackling violent crime.
According to the commissioner, the successful operation demonstrates the command’s resolve to relentlessly pursue kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening the safety of residents.
He assured members of the public that the police would continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing, surveillance and tactical operations to safeguard lives and property across Ogun State.
Ojajuni also appealed to residents to remain security conscious and promptly share credible information with law enforcement agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to winning the fight against crime.
(Ripples)