Odita Sunday 
Ogun Police Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers, Arrest Gang Kingpin, Recover AK-47 And ₦1.5m Ransom
By Odita Sunday
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have neutralized two suspected kidnappers and arrested an alleged gang kingpin during a fierce gun battle along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, ransom cash, and other incriminating items linked to a recent abduction in the state.
The police identified the suspected kingpin as Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, while another gang member arrested during the operation was named as Mohammed Bello.
According to the command, the operation followed sustained intelligence-driven investigations into the kidnapping of three persons abducted on May 11, 2026, at Ipojo Area, Iperin, Atan-Ijebu in Ogun State.
The victims were reportedly released unharmed on May 14 after their captors collected an unspecified ransom.
Police operatives thereafter intensified efforts to track the gang, leading to a coordinated raid on the suspects’ hideout in the early hours of May 15.
The command disclosed that the suspects opened fire on sighting the operatives, triggering a gun duel during which two of the alleged kidnappers were shot dead, while others escaped into nearby forests with suspected bullet wounds.
Recovered during the operation were one 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 believed to have been used in the criminal operation.
Police said follow-up intelligence operations later led to the arrest of the suspected gang leader and another accomplice, alongside the recovery of additional exhibits connected to the syndicate.
The corpses of the neutralized suspects have been deposited at a morgue for autopsy, while security operatives continue manhunt operations to apprehend fleeing members of the gang.
Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for what he described as gallantry, professionalism, and resilience in the fight against violent crimes.
Ojajuni reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
Police spokesperson, Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, said investigations were ongoing to dismantle the entire kidnapping network and ensure the prosecution of all arrested suspects.
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