Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have killed a suspected kidnap kingpin during an intelligence-led operation in the Orile Ilugun Forest area along the Abeokuta-Ibadan Expressway.
The police also recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, ₦2 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, and mobile phones from the scene.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed the criminals’ hideout shortly after a kidnap victim regained freedom.
According to the police, the victim was abducted on May 14, 2026, at Nufats Fuel Station in Odeda along the Abeokuta-Ibadan Expressway and was released unharmed on Sunday, May 18, around 8:30 p.m.
Following the victim’s release, operatives intensified intelligence gathering and traced the gang to their hideout in the Orile Ilugun Forest axis at about 6:00 a.m. on Monday.
Babaseyi explained that the suspected kidnappers opened fire on sighting the operatives, leading to a gun battle.
“Police operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of the gang’s kingpin, while other members escaped into the forest with gunshot injuries,” the statement read.
Items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, ₦2 million cash, and two mobile phones.
The police added that the body of the deceased suspect has been deposited at a mortuary for autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing gang members.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.
The latest operation comes days after the police announced the killing of two suspected kidnappers and the arrest of an alleged gang leader, Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, alongside another suspect identified as Mohammed Bello.
Police had also recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, a single-barrel gun, ₦1.5 million suspected ransom money, several mobile phones, and a black bag during the earlier operation.
