Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers and arrest a kidnapping kingpin in Ogun

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Police officers from the Ogun State Police Command have eliminated two suspected kidnappers and detained an alleged kidnapping kingpin, along with another gang member, during an intelligence‑driven operation on the Ijebu‑Ode/Ibadan road corridor.

During the raid, officers seized an AK‑47 rifle loaded with ten 5.6 mm rounds, a single‑barrel firearm, ₦1.5 million believed to be ransom money, several mobile phones, and a black bag.

DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, released a statement in Abeokuta on Friday detailing the operation.

The statement said the raid followed a series of investigations into the abduction of three individuals in the Ipojo Area, Iperin, Atan‑Ijebu, which occurred on Monday.

The victims were reported to have been released unharmed on Wednesday after an unspecified ransom was paid.

After the release, the Anti‑Kidnapping Unit intensified its efforts to locate the perpetrators.

“On 15 May 2026, at approximately 5:00 a.m., operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed the kidnappers’ hideout along the Ijebu‑Ode/Ibadan Road axis of Ogun State,” Babaseyi said.

The suspects fired upon the police, sparking a fierce gunfight.

“The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the neutralisation of two of the suspected kidnappers, while other members of the gang fled into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of bullet injuries,” the statement added.

Further intelligence‑led operations led to the arrest of the suspected gang leader, Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, and another suspect, Mohammed Bello.

Additional evidence linked to the criminal operation was also recovered.

The corpses of the deceased suspects were taken to a mortuary for autopsy, while authorities continued to pursue other members of the syndicate.

Babaseyi said investigations remain underway to uncover the full extent of the gang’s network and to ensure the prosecution of those arrested.

State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni praised the operatives for their bravery and professionalism.

The commissioner reiterated the Command’s “unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State.”

Police also urged residents to stay alert and report suspicious activity or criminal movements via the command’s emergency lines.

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