Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have killed a suspected kidnapping kingpin during an intelligence-led operation in the Orile-Ilugun Forest area along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway.
The command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said on Tuesday that the operation was carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following the successful rescue of a kidnapping victim abducted on May 14 at a fuel station in the Odeda area of Ogun State.
According to the police, the victim was released unharmed on May 18, prompting intensified efforts to track down the gang responsible.
Acting on intelligence, officers raided the suspects’ hideout in the early hours of May 19. The police said the kidnappers opened fire on sighting operatives, leading to a gun battle in which the gang leader was killed, while other members escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
Items recovered at the scene included an AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition, ₦2 million believed to be linked to criminal activity, and two mobile phones.
The deceased suspect’s body has been deposited in a morgue, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing gang members.
Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni commended the officers involved and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.