Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, arrest kingpin in Ogun

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have neutralised two suspected kidnappers and arrested an alleged kidnapping kingpin alongside another gang member during an intelligence-led operation along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan road axis of the state.

The police also recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 5.6 mm ammunition, a single-barrel gun, ₦1.5 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, several mobile phones and a black bag during the operation.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abeokuta.

According to the statement, the operation followed sustained investigations into the abduction of three persons at Ipojo Area, Iperin, Atan-Ijebu, on Monday.

The victims were said to have regained freedom unharmed on Wednesday after the payment of an unspecified ransom.

Babaseyi explained that following the victims’ release, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit intensified efforts to track down members of the gang responsible for the crime.

He said, “On the 15th of May, 2026, at about 5:00 a.m., operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed the kidnappers’ hideout located along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis of Ogun State.”

According to him, the suspects opened fire on sighting the police team, leading to a fierce gun duel.

“The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the neutralisation 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 added.

The police spokesperson further revealed that subsequent intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of the suspected gang leader, identified as Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, and another suspect, Mohammed Bello.

He noted that additional incriminating exhibits linked to the criminal operation were also recovered.

The command said the corpses of the deceased suspects had been deposited at a mortuary for autopsy, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate.

Babaseyi added that investigations were ongoing to unravel the full network of the gang and ensure the prosecution of the arrested suspects.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their gallantry and professionalism.

The statement quoted the police commissioner as reiterating “the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State.”

The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or criminal activities through the command’s emergency lines.

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