The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two suspected kidnappers and the arrest of two others during an intelligence-driven operation carried out in the Atan area of Ijebu.
Drivetvnews gathered that the command disclosed that the operation followed investigations into the abduction of three residents in the Ipojo area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu.
According to the police, the victims were kidnapped on Monday but later regained freedom on Thursday after an undisclosed ransom was reportedly paid.
Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit intensified efforts to track down the gang after the victims were released safely.
He explained that the operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the suspects’ hideout along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road around 5 a.m. on Friday.
Babaseyi stated that the suspects opened fire immediately they sighted the police team, leading to a gun battle between both sides.
During the exchange, two suspected kidnappers were killed, while several others escaped into nearby forests with gunshot wounds.
The police also arrested the alleged gang leader, identified as Seriki Abdullahi, alongside another suspect, Mohammed Bello.
Recovered items from the operation included an AK-47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, a single-barrel gun, ₦1.5 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, several mobile phones and a black bag.
The police spokesperson added that the bodies of the deceased suspects had been deposited in a morgue for autopsy, while investigations were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their professionalism and bravery, reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and violent crimes across Ogun State.
