Police rescue 10 abducted passengers in Ogun, kill suspect

The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 10 passengers abducted by gunmen from a commercial bus at Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, while one suspected kidnapper was killed during a subsequent operation.

The victims regained their freedom unharmed at about 8.30pm on Saturday, following sustained security pressure and intelligence-led efforts by the police.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.

Babaseyi said in the statement that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road at about 1am on Sunday, leading to a gun battle.

“Following sustained security pressure and intelligence-led efforts to secure their freedom, the victims regained their freedom unharmed at about 8:30 p.m. on 7 November 2026,” the statement partly read.

He said one suspected kidnapper was neutralised during the encounter, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.

“In a follow-up operation at about 1:00 a.m. on 8 November, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, where a gun battle ensued.

“One suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement added.

The police spokesperson said items recovered from the hideout included an AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of ammunition, N1,376,800 in cash and a mobile phone.

The passengers were abducted from the commercial bus at Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, on Tuesday.

The command said it had intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects, urging members of the public to report anyone seen with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or through established police channels.

“The command has intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and urges members of the public to promptly report anyone sighted with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or through established police channels,” the statement said.