Police in Ogun State have rescued seven kidnap victims and neutralised three suspected kidnappers during coordinated security operations.
The operation was carried out by the Ogun State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and other security agencies. Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Monday.
The victims were abducted on 29 July 2026 at about 19:40 along Paraga Street in Ipara, Ogun State. Following the report, anti-kidnapping operatives began intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated operations to locate the victims and track down those responsible.
According to the police, the operation received additional aerial support on 3 August after Governor Dapo Abiodun requested assistance from Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu. A Police Air Wing helicopter was subsequently deployed to support the ground teams and improve surveillance around the area.
The combination of intelligence sharing, aerial surveillance and coordinated ground operations eventually led security operatives to the location where the seven victims were being held. The victims were rescued and immediately taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention.
Post-Rescue Operations
One of the rescued victims had sustained a gunshot injury during the abduction and was treated at the hospital. The police said the operation did not end with the rescue. Efforts were immediately intensified to track the fleeing members of the criminal gang.
At about 02:00 on Thursday, anti-kidnapping operatives, supported by DSS personnel, stormed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway. The suspects engaged the security team in a gun battle, during which three suspected kidnappers were killed. However, other members of the gang reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
Security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, four mobile phones and ₦2.3 million from the hideout. The bodies of the suspects were deposited at the State Hospital Morgue in Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy.
In a separate operation in Igbesa, Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area, police also arrested 12 suspected cultists. This came following reports of harassment and extortion at Harodous Hotel in Lattykay. Several other suspects reportedly fled when officers arrived at the scene.
Police recovered assorted charms, battle axes, knives, cult-related items, eight motorcycles, a black Lexus vehicle and an unregistered red Toyota Camry during the operation. The arrested suspects are expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
Ogun State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, strategic patrols, rapid response and collaboration with other security agencies. He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the police through established channels. Even as efforts continue to apprehend the remaining suspects.
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