Ogun Police shot dead two suspected kidnappers, recovering alleged ransom money of N2.2 million

A major breakthrough has been recorded in Ogun State’s fight against kidnapping after officers of the state Police Command neutralized two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered ₦2.2 million believed to be proceeds of criminal activities.

The operation carried out by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit was part of an intensive manhunt carried out following the kidnapping of a resident of Ogbe Village on June 11, 2026.

According to the Ogun State Police Command, the abduction of the victim prompted an immediate response, with a special operation deploying intelligence-based tactics, surveillance measures and other operational resources aimed at rescuing the victim and dismantling the criminal network responsible for the attack.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the command spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, revealed that the constant pressure exerted on the suspects finally borne fruit when the victim regained freedom on June 18 without sustaining any injuries.

After a successful rescue, police officers shifted focus to identifying and arresting the gang members behind the crime.

The command said intelligence gathered during the investigation led officers to suspected kidnappers in the state.

Explaining what happened during the operation, police stated:

“Acting on credible intelligence, the agents managed to trace the gang members to their hideout in the state.

“On seeing the agents, the suspects opened fire in a desperate attempt to resist arrest and escape.

“The officers responded professionally, which resulted in a gun duel that resulted in the two alleged kidnappers being neutralized, while the other gang members fled the scene with gunshot wounds.”

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The command explained that a search conducted after the shootout turned up several items believed to be related to the gang’s activities.

He added: “A search carried out on one of the suspects who was successfully neutralized resulted in the recovery of a single barreled gun, while further examination of the scene revealed one spent bullet, a mobile phone and an amount of Two Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦2,200,000) in cash, which is suspected to be the proceeds of criminal activities.”

Police authorities said investigations were still ongoing, with efforts being made to trace other syndicate members who escaped during the operation.

The command also indicated that sleuths are expanding their investigations to uncover the full scope of the gang’s activities and its possible links to other kidnapping incidents within and outside the state.

Appreciating the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its bravery, professionalism and effectiveness in tackling violent crime.

According to the commissioner, the success of this operation shows the command’s determination to continue pursuing kidnappers and other criminal elements who threaten the safety of citizens.

He assured the public that the police would continue to strengthen policing, surveillance and intelligence-led tactical operations to protect lives and property across Ogun State.

Ojajuni also appealed to citizens to remain security conscious and promptly share credible information with law enforcement agencies, and emphasized that public cooperation remains critical to winning the war on crime.