Odita Sunday 
Ogun Police Neutralize Notorious Kidnap Kingpin, Recover AK-47 Rifle, Ammunition, N2m Cash in Forest Raid
By Odita Sunday
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have recorded another major breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown against violent crimes, neutralizing a suspected kidnapping kingpin during a fierce gun battle at a criminal hideout located within the Orile Ilugun Forest axis along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway.
The intelligence-led operation also led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with twenty rounds of 5.6mm live ammunition, the sum of Two Million Naira and two mobile phones believed to be linked to the activities of the criminal syndicate.
Police authorities disclosed that the successful operation followed sustained intelligence gathering and tactical surveillance after the abduction of a victim on May 14, 2026, at Nufats Fuel Station along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway in Odeda area of Ogun State.
According to the Command, the victim was later released unharmed by the abductors on May 18, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m., after spending several days in captivity.
Following the victim’s release, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified intelligence-driven efforts aimed at identifying, tracking and apprehending members of the criminal gang responsible for the abduction.
Acting on credible intelligence, the police tactical team stormed the kidnappers’ hideout within the Orile Ilugun Forest area on May 19, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m. in what security officials described as a carefully coordinated operation targeted at dismantling the criminal network.
Police sources revealed that upon sighting the approaching operatives, members of the gang opened fire in an attempt to resist arrest and escape from the location.
The development triggered a fierce exchange of gunfire between the suspects and the operatives, who responded with what the Command described as superior tactical firepower.
During the operation, the suspected kingpin of the kidnapping syndicate was neutralized, while other gang members reportedly escaped deeper into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle fully loaded with twenty rounds of live 5.6mm ammunition, Two Million Naira cash suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, as well as two mobile phones currently undergoing forensic analysis as part of ongoing investigations.
The police further disclosed that the corpse of the neutralized suspect had been deposited at a morgue for autopsy in line with standard procedure, while efforts had been intensified to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate.
Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the gallantry, professionalism and resilience displayed by the operatives during the high-risk operation.
The CP reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against kidnappers, armed robbers and other violent criminal elements threatening the peace and security of residents across the state.
According to him, the latest operational success reflects the Command’s determination to ensure that criminal gangs do not establish safe havens within Ogun State and its surrounding corridors.
The police boss also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of preventing crimes and assisting ongoing security operations.
Residents were encouraged to promptly report suspicious movements, unusual activities and security threats through the Ogun State Police Command emergency platforms.
The Command listed its emergency contact channels as Gateway Shield Toll-Free Line: 0800 000 9111, while additional emergency numbers include 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369 and 0708 497 2994.
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