Ogun Police Neutralise Two Suspected Kidnappers, Recover ₦2.2m

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping Unit have rescued an abducted victim, neutralised two suspected kidnappers and recovered over ₦2.2 million believed to be proceeds of criminal activities.

The operation also led to the recovery of a single-barrel gun, an expended cartridge, a mobile phone and other exhibits linked to the criminal gang.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the victim was abducted on June 11, 2026, at Ogbe Village in Ogun State. Upon receiving the report, the command immediately activated its Anti-Kidnapping Unit and deployed intelligence and tactical resources to secure the victim's release and apprehend those responsible.

The police said sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and pressure mounted on the kidnappers eventually forced the gang to release the victim unharmed on June 18. Determined to arrest the suspects, operatives intensified follow-up investigations and launched a coordinated manhunt.

Acting on credible intelligence, the team traced members of the gang to a hideout within the state. Police said the suspects opened fire upon sighting the operatives in an attempt to evade arrest.

The officers responded, resulting in a gun duel during which two suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while other gang members escaped with gunshot injuries.

A search conducted after the operation led to the recovery of a single-barrel firearm, one expended cartridge, a mobile phone and a cash sum of ₦2.2 million suspected to be proceeds of kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The command said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.

Commending the operatives involved, Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo described the operation as a reflection of the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

He said the success demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and assured residents that criminal elements would find no safe haven in Ogun State.

The commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat crime.

Police advised residents to promptly report suspicious activities and movements to the nearest security formation.