Ogun Police Neutralize Notorious Kidnapping Kingpin, Recover ₦2m Cash, AK-47 Rifle

In a major breakthrough against violent crime, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Ogun State Police Command, have neutralized a notorious kidnapping kingpin following a fierce gun battle at a criminal hideout inside the Orile Ilugun Forest axis along the busy Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway.

The high-stakes operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of 5.6mm live ammunition, two million naira in cash, believed to be part of a ransom payment, and two mobile phones used by the syndicate.

The breakthrough followed the abduction of a victim on May 14, 2026, at the Nufats Fuel Station in the Odeda area along the same expressway. Although the victim safely regained freedom unharmed on the evening of May 18, 2026, the police did not relent. Instead, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad immediately intensified intelligence-driven tracking to smoke out the perpetrators.

By 6:00 a.m. the following morning, tactical operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed the deep forest hideout. On sighting the police team, the heavily armed kidnappers opened fire, triggering a chaotic gun duel.

The police operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, fatally wounding the gang’s kingpin. Under the intensity of the assault, other members of the criminal syndicate fled deeper into the thick forest, carrying varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

While the corpse of the neutralized kingpin has been deposited at a public morgue for autopsy, a massive manhunt remains underway to track down the fleeing suspects.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, highly commended the gallantry, professionalism, and resilience displayed by the operatives. He reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to making Ogun State uncomfortable for kidnappers and other violent criminals.

The command has urged members of the public, particularly healthcare providers, to remain vigilant and report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. Suspicious movements can be reported immediately via the Gateway Shield toll-free line or the command’s emergency numbers.