Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers and arrested two others, including an alleged gang kingpin, during a fierce gun battle along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis of the state.
The police identified the suspected kingpin as Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, who was arrested alongside another gang member, Mohammed Bello, during a raid on the gang’s hideout.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation followed intelligence-led investigations into the abduction of three residents kidnapped on Monday in the Ipojo Area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu.
The victims were reportedly released on Thursday after the payment of an undisclosed ransom.
Babaseyi disclosed that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified efforts to track down the suspects immediately after the victims regained freedom.
“On May 15, 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,” the statement read.
“Upon sighting the police team, the suspects opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers, while other gang members escaped into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.”
The police added that follow-up intelligence operations led to the arrest of Abdullahi and Bello.
Items recovered from the hideout include an AK-47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a single-barrel gun, ₦1.5 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, several mobile phones, and a black bag.
The command stated that the bodies of the deceased suspects had been deposited in a morgue for autopsy, while efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing members of the syndicate.
“All recovered exhibits have been secured, while investigations continue to unravel the full network of the gang and facilitate prosecution of the arrested suspects,” Babaseyi added.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and violent crimes across the state.