Police neutralise 2 suspected kidnappers, recover ₦2.2m ransom in Ogun

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle and recovered ₦2.2 million believed to be ransom proceeds, following an operation that also led to the rescue of an abducted victim.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the victim was abducted on June 11, 2026, at Ogbe Village in Ogun State.

According to the police, a coordinated manhunt was launched immediately after the abduction, with tactical teams and intelligence operatives deployed to track down the kidnappers.

Babaseyi said sustained pressure from security operatives forced the gang to release the victim unharmed on June 18. However, police continued efforts to apprehend those responsible and eventually traced members of the gang to a hideout within the state.

He explained that the suspects opened fire on officers when the hideout was raided, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

“On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire in a desperate attempt to resist arrest and escape. The operatives responded professionally, leading to a gun duel during which two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while other members of the gang fled the scene with gunshot injuries,” Babaseyi said.

Items recovered from the scene included ₦2.2 million suspected to be part of the ransom paid by the victim’s family, a single-barrel gun, an expended cartridge, and a mobile phone believed to have been used in the gang’s operations.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers involved in the operation, describing their actions as courageous and professional.

Ojajuni reiterated the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, warning criminal elements that Ogun would remain hostile territory for their activities.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report anyone seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds, as efforts continue to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the gang.

Police authorities said investigations are ongoing and that additional operations have been launched to dismantle the remaining network of the suspected kidnappers.