Police arrest kidnapping kingpin in Ijebu‑Ode abduction case; two others killed in shootout.

On Friday, Ogun State Police officers killed two suspected kidnappers in a gun battle and arrested two others at a hideout along the Ijebu‑Ode/Ibadan expressway.

The suspects, Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, identified as the kidnapping kingpin, and Mohammed Bello, a gang member, were taken into custody around 5 a.m.

On Monday, the same suspects, believed to be part of a bandit group, raided Ipojo Golden Estate in the Oke‑Eri area of Ijebu‑Ode and abducted three family members.

According to DAILY POST, the victims were released unharmed around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday after an unspecified ransom was paid.

State Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed the release on Saturday and said that the Anti‑Kidnapping Squad had intensified efforts to locate other members of the gang.

He added that the intelligence‑driven operation resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the seizure of an AK‑47 rifle with ten 5.6‑mm rounds, a single‑barrel gun, N1.5 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, several mobile phones, and a black bag.

“Operatives of the Anti‑Kidnapping Unit, Ogun State Police Command, neutralized two suspected kidnappers and arrested a suspected kidnapping kingpin, Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi ‘M’, alongside a suspected gang member, Mohammed Bello ‘M’, during an intelligence‑led operation that also led to the recovery of one AK‑47 rifle loaded with ten rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, one single‑barrel gun, the sum of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,500,000) suspected to be ransom proceeds, several mobile phones, and a black bag,” the police said.

The image maker added that the kidnappers, upon spotting police officers, opened fire, resulting in a fierce gun duel.

The officers responded professionally, neutralising two of the suspects, while other gang members fled into the surrounding forest with varying bullet injuries.

The bodies of the neutralised suspects were taken to a morgue for autopsy in accordance with standard procedure, and authorities continue to pursue the remaining gang members.

State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni praised the officers for their gallantry, professionalism and resilience, reaffirming the command’s commitment to fighting kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.

He also urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity or criminal behaviour to