By Peace Udugba
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have neutralized two suspected kidnappers and arrested an alleged kidnapping kingpin, identified as Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, alongside a 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, ₦1.5 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, several mobile phones, and a black bag.
According to the police, the operation followed sustained intelligence gathering and investigations into the abduction of three persons on May 11, 2026, at the Ipojo area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu, Ogun State.
The victims were reportedly released unharmed on May 14, 2026, at about 7:30 p.m., after an unspecified ransom was allegedly paid to their captors.
Following the victims’ release, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified efforts to track down members of the gang responsible for the abduction.
Police said the breakthrough came on May 15, 2026, at about 5:00 a.m., when operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis of Ogun State.
The suspects reportedly opened fire on sighting the operatives, leading to a gun duel.
“The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the neutralization 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 said.
Further intelligence-led follow-up operations later led to the arrest of the suspected kingpin and another gang member, alongside the recovery of additional incriminating exhibits linked to the criminal operation.
The police added that the bodies of the neutralized suspects had been deposited in a morgue for autopsy in line with standard procedure, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate.
All recovered exhibits have been secured as investigations continue to unravel the network of the gang and facilitate the prosecution of the arrested suspects.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and resilience, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, reiterated the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through its emergency lines.
