BY. CHIJIOKE CHARLES
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Ogun State have killed two suspected kidnappers and arrested two others, including an alleged gang leader, following a gun battle along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis.
The operation, which was intelligence-led, was launched after the abduction of three persons in the Iperin area of Ijebu-Igbo, who were later released after ransom payment.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, “Consequently, on the 15th of May 2026 at about 5:00 a.m., operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout located along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis of Ogun State.” He added, “On sighting the Police operatives, the suspects opened fire, leading to a fierce gun duel.
The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the neutralisation of two of the suspected kidnappers, while other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of bullet injuries.”
Further operations led to the arrest of Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, described as the suspected kingpin, and another gang member, Mohammed Bello.
The police also recovered one AK-47 rifle with ten rounds of ammunition, a single-barrel gun, ₦1,500,000 suspected to be ransom proceeds, mobile phones, and other exhibits. Babaseyi stated that “All recovered exhibits have been secured,
while investigation continues to unravel the full network of the gang and facilitate prosecution of the arrested suspects.”
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, praised the operatives for their professionalism and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained operations against kidnapping and violent crime.
The incident highlights ongoing security pressure in the region, even as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and recover fleeing suspects who reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries.
