Police Raid Kidnappers’ Hideout in Ogun
The Ogun State Police Command has killed two suspected kidnappers and arrested two others during an operation in Atan-Ijebu.
Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Abeokuta.
He said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit carried out the operation after investigating the abduction of three residents in the Ipojo area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu.
Victims Regain Freedom After Abduction
According to police, the kidnappers abducted the victims on Monday.
The victims later regained freedom on Thursday after relatives paid an undisclosed ransom.
Babaseyi said officers intensified efforts to track down members of the gang after the victims returned safely.
Gun Battle Leaves Two Suspects Dead
Police operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan road around 5 a.m. on Friday.
Babaseyi said the suspects opened fire immediately they sighted the police team.
The development led to a gun duel between the kidnappers and the operatives.
“The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the killing of two suspected kidnappers,” he said.
He added that several gang members escaped into nearby forests with gunshot injuries.
Police Arrest Gang Leader, Recover Weapons
Further operations led to the arrest of the suspected gang leader, Seriki Abdullahi, and another suspect, Mohammed Bello.
Police also recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition and a single-barrel gun.
Operatives recovered N1.5 million suspected ransom proceeds, several mobile phones and a black bag linked to the operation.
Authorities deposited the bodies of the deceased suspects in a morgue for autopsy.
Commissioner Commends Operatives
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers for their professionalism and bravery during the operation.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and violent crimes across Ogun State.
Police said investigations would continue as operatives search for fleeing members of the syndicate.
