By Peace Udugba-The Daily Torch Media
The Ogun State Police Command says it has rescued seven kidnapped victims, neutralised three suspected kidnappers and arrested 38 suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.
The command also said it recovered firearms, 75 rounds of live ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, suspected stolen property and other exhibits during the operations.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, disclosed the operational successes in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babasiyi, anipr, on Monday, August 10, 2026.
According to the command, the 38 suspects arrested include 23 foreign nationals allegedly linked to a Ponzi scheme and visa scam, 12 suspected cultists, a suspected armed robber and a suspected fraudster and fake clergyman.
Police, DSS Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims
The Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working with the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and other security agencies, rescued seven victims who were abducted on July 29, 2026, along Paraga Street, Ipara, Ogun State.
The victims were reportedly abducted at about 7:40 p.m., after which the Anti-Kidnapping Unit commenced intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated operations to locate them.
The command said aerial support was added to the operation on August 3 following a request by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.
The request resulted in the deployment of a Police helicopter from the Police Air Wing to support the ground operations.
The combination of intelligence sharing, surveillance, aerial support and coordinated ground operations eventually led to the location and rescue of the seven victims.
The victims were taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention. One of them sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and was treated.
Three Suspected Kidnappers Neutralised
Following the rescue of the victims, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and its partner agencies intensified efforts to locate fleeing members of the suspected kidnapping gang.
The police said that at about 2:00 a.m. on August 6, operatives, supported by DSS personnel and acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.
According to the command, the suspects engaged the security operatives in a gun battle, during which three suspected kidnappers were neutralised.
Other members of the gang reportedly escaped, some allegedly with gunshot injuries.
Recovered from the hideout were an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, four mobile phones and ₦2.3 million in cash.
The bodies of the deceased suspects were deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy.
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
Suspected Armed Robber Arrested in Itele
The Itele Division also arrested a suspected armed robber following a distress call from a commercial motorcyclist on August 3.
The motorcyclist reportedly alleged that two passengers he picked up at Three Crown Bus Stop attempted to rob him at gunpoint along the Orji Block Area, Itele.
Police operatives arrested Babatunde Olasunkanmi, who allegedly pointed a locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel pistol at the victim, while his accomplice reportedly escaped with the victim’s red Bajaj motorcycle.
Police said they recovered a locally fabricated pistol, criminal charms, a Tecno Android phone and a UBA ATM card from the suspect.
Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplice.
23 Foreign Nationals Arrested Over Alleged Ponzi, Visa Scam
Operatives of the Atan-Ota Division arrested 23 foreign nationals on August 4 following intelligence about alleged fraudulent activities at a gated residential building in an estate off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota.
The suspects were allegedly linked to a Ponzi scheme, visa scam and other immigration-related offences.
Police said a Malian international passport bearing the name Diakite Alfousseini was recovered during the operation.
Following preliminary investigation, 21 of the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on August 5 for further investigation and appropriate action.
Two suspects were retained by the police for prosecution over alleged obtaining by false pretence and other related offences.
Police Arrest Alleged Fake Clergyman
The Obantoko Division arrested Kehinde Makinde, popularly known as “Pastor Kenny,” in Ibadan, Oyo State, following four months of intelligence gathering and discreet investigation.
The police alleged that Makinde had been manipulating unsuspecting victims under the guise of providing spiritual deliverance across Ogun, Oyo and Osun states.
Preliminary investigation reportedly showed that he allegedly collected about ₦2.5 million from 18 fellowship members in Saje, Adatan, after promising to organise a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem and pay each member ₦2 million.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigators work to identify additional victims and apprehend his alleged accomplices.
Police Recover Submachine Gun, 75 Rounds of Ammunition
The Sakura Division recovered an English submachine gun and 75 rounds of live ammunition after a firearm was reportedly discovered concealed inside a damaged wardrobe at a rented apartment.
The discovery was made on August 5 while the apartment, previously occupied by a deceased landlord, was being cleared.
The police secured the weapon and ammunition and said they would be subjected to ballistic examination by the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Investigators are also working to establish how the firearm and ammunition came to be concealed at the location.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order throughout the state.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful and timely information about suspicious activities and persons to the police.
It also assured members of the public that information supplied to the police would be treated with the necessary confidentiality.
The Commissioner of Police commended the officers and personnel involved in the operations for their courage, professionalism and dedication to duty.
The command further called for continued cooperation from traditional rulers, community leaders, transport operators, landlords, business owners and other stakeholders in the fight against crime.
The police said the latest successes demonstrate its determination to dismantle criminal networks and make Ogun State safer for residents, businesses and visitors.
