A major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in Ogun State was recorded on Tuesday as operatives of the Ogun State Police Command reportedly neutralized a suspected kidnapping kingpin during a gun battle at a criminal hideout in the Orile Ilugun Forest area along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway.
The operation, carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle loaded with twenty rounds of live ammunition, ₦2 million suspected to be linked to criminal activities, and two mobile phones.
Police authorities said the operation was the result of intelligence gathering following the successful rescue and release of a kidnapping victim who had been abducted earlier in the month.
The victim was reportedly kidnapped on May 14, 2026, at Nufats Fuel Station along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway in the Odeda area of Ogun State. According to the police, the victim eventually regained freedom unharmed on May 18 at about 8:30 p.m.
Following the victim's release, detectives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators and dismantle the criminal network believed to be responsible for the abduction.
According to police sources, intelligence gathered by the operatives led them to the gang's hideout deep inside the Orile Ilugun Forest axis.
At approximately 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, security operatives moved into the area in a coordinated operation.
However, on sighting the approaching police team, the suspects allegedly opened fire in an attempt to evade arrest, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire.
The police said the operatives responded with what they described as superior tactical force, resulting in the neutralization of the gang's leader.
Other suspected members of the criminal syndicate reportedly escaped into the forest during the confrontation, although police believe some of them sustained gunshot injuries while fleeing the scene.
Security operatives subsequently combed the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with twenty rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, ₦2 million in cash, and two mobile phones believed to belong to members of the gang.
Police authorities said the body of the neutralized suspect had been deposited in a morgue for autopsy and other necessary procedures in line with established protocols.
The command also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and further investigate the criminal operation.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved in the operation for what he described as their courage, professionalism, and resilience.
He reiterated the command's commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against kidnappers and other violent criminals across the state.
The police commissioner also urged residents to remain security conscious and continue to support law enforcement agencies with credible and timely information capable of preventing crime and enhancing public safety.
The latest development comes amid increasing security operations aimed at curbing kidnapping and violent crimes along major highways and communities within Ogun State and adjoining areas. Investigations into the activities and network of the suspected gang are continuing.
