On Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police for Ogun State, Abiodun Alamutu, reported that police operatives engaged in a gun battle resulting in the death of two kidnappers who were part of a group that had abducted four travelers along the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway on Sunday night.
Alamutu further confirmed the safe release of the four abducted individuals, consisting of one Nigerian and three Indian nationals.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the state command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, Alamutu disclosed that the operation also led to the recovery of 109 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five AK47 rifles, eight AK magazines, and two cell phones from the kidnappers.
Detailing the incident which occurred on June 30, 2024, Alamutu explained that the Divisional Police Officer in Ikenne received a distress call regarding the kidnapping around 7:10 pm near Delabo junction on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway.
According to the Commissioner, the armed perpetrators, believed to be operating from an unregistered Venza car, targeted a grey Toyota Rav 4 jeep with registration number AGL 16 JE. They fired multiple shots at the vehicle, puncturing its tires and forcing it to halt.
The assailants then forcibly took the occupants of the vehicle and fled towards Ijebu-Ode.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Anti-kidnapping squad of the Ogun State Command swiftly responded, initiating a pursuit of the fleeing suspects. Utilizing covert tactics, the squad located the suspects hiding in a nearby bush. Upon being illuminated by the officers’ flashlights, the suspects engaged in a shootout with the police.
The superior firepower of the Anti-kidnapping squad resulted in the death of two suspects, while the remaining criminals managed to escape with injuries, abandoning their weapons at the scene.
Alamutu confirmed that all the victims, identified as one Nigerian and three Indian nationals, were safely rescued without harm and subsequently reunited with their families.
The Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the state police command to protecting lives and property as its foremost responsibility. He also announced the deployment of a rapid response team to bolster security along the Sagamu-Benin expressway.
