Ogun police rescue 10 kidnap victims, kill suspect

Ransom and ammo recovered. CREDIT: Ogun Police

The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 10 passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers at Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of the state, following sustained security operations that culminated in the killing of one of the suspects.

The victims, who were abducted from a commercial bus on November 3, 2026, regained their freedom unharmed at about 8.30pm on Saturday, November 7, after what the police described as sustained pressure and intelligence-led efforts to secure their release.

In a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit subsequently stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road at about 1 am on November 8.

He disclosed that the operation triggered a gun battle between the police operatives and the suspected kidnappers, during which one suspect was neutralised while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.

Babaseyi said, “Following sustained security pressure and intelligence-led efforts by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command, the 10 passengers abducted from a commercial bus at Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, on November 3, 2026, have regained their freedom.

“The victims were safely released at about 8.30pm on November 7, 2026, without any injury.

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

“During the encounter, one suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while other members of the gang escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.”

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

He added that the command had intensified efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the gang, urging members of the public to assist the police with useful information.

Babaseyi particularly advised residents to report anyone sighted with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or through established police communication channels.

“The command is intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects. Members of the public are therefore urged to promptly report anyone seen with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or through established police channels.

“Public cooperation remains vital to ensuring that the fleeing suspects are brought to justice and that criminal elements are prevented from further threatening the safety of residents,” he said.

The police command assured residents of its continued commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State.