Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have neutralised two suspected kidnappers and arrested a suspected kingpin, Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, and another gang member, Mohammed Bello, during a coordinated intelligence-led operation that also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition and ₦1.5 million believed to be ransom proceeds.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement made available to PLATFORM TIMES on Saturday.
He said the operation shows the Command’s sustained commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
He further stated that the police recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a single-barrel gun, several mobile phones and a black bag allegedly used by the gang in its operations.
The operation followed the abduction of three persons on 11 May 2026 at Ipojo Area, Iperin, Atan-Ijebu, in Ogun State.
PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that the victims were later released unhurt on 14 May 2026 at about 7:30 p.m. after a ransom payment was made.
However, acting on sustained intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified surveillance and tracking of the suspects after the victims regained freedom.
In the early hours of 15 May 2026 at about 5:00 a.m., police operatives stormed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis.
On sighting the police, the suspects reportedly opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle.
He added that the operatives responded with superior firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspects, while other members of the gang escaped into nearby forests with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
The police said follow-up intelligence-led operations later led to the arrest of the alleged kingpin, Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, and Mohammed Bello, alongside the recovery of additional exhibits linked to the kidnapping syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism, courage and tactical efficiency during the operation.
He reiterated the Command’s resolve to sustain pressure on kidnappers and other violent criminals across the state, warning that Ogun would remain “unsafe for criminal elements.”
The Command confirmed that the corpses of the neutralised suspects have been deposited in a morgue for autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the gang.
According to the police, all recovered exhibits have been secured and investigation is ongoing to dismantle the wider network of the kidnapping syndicate and ensure prosecution of arrested suspects.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements through the Ogun State Police emergency lines, as part of ongoing security collaboration efforts
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