Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping following the rescue of three abducted victims and the arrest of a suspected kidnapping kingpin linked to a violent abduction operation in Ijebu-Ode axis of the state.

The operation, carried out by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, also led to the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle, while several dangerous weapons and suspected ransom proceeds were recovered.

According to a statement by the Command's Public Relations Officers, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the victims were abducted on May 11, 2026, at the Ipojo Area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu, Ogun State.

They were later released unharmed on May 14 after the payment of an unspecified ransom by their families.

Following the victims’ release, detectives intensified investigations and launched a coordinated intelligence-driven manhunt for members of the criminal syndicate responsible for the attack.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis at about 5:00am on Friday.

Police disclosed that the suspects opened fire immediately they sighted the operatives, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The operatives, it was said, responded swiftly and professionally, resulting in the neutralisation of two members of the gang, while others escaped into the nearby forest with gunshot wounds.

Further follow-up operations led to the arrest of the alleged kingpin, identified as Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, alongside another gang member, Mohammed Bello.

Items recovered from the suspects, the police said, included an AK-47 rifle loaded with ten rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a single-barrel gun, several mobile phones, a black bag, and the sum of ₦1.5 million suspected to be proceeds from ransom payments.

The Police said the bodies of the neutralised suspects had been deposited at a morgue for autopsy, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the gang.

Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping operatives for their bravery, professionalism, and resilience during the operation.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies.