Police kill suspected kidnapping boss, recover money, gun

Ebun Emmanuel – May 20,2026

The Ogun State Police Command has neutralised a kidnapping kingpin during an intelligence-led operation at a criminal hideout located within the Orile Ilugun Forest end of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway.

The command said the operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with twenty rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, the sum of N2 m and two mobile phones.

According to Oluseyi Babaseyi, the spokesman of the police in the state, the operation followed the successful release of a kidnapping victim who was abducted on the 14th of May 2026 at Nufats Fuel Station along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway, in the Odeda area of Ogun State.

He added, “The victim regained freedom unharmed on the 18th of May 2026 around 8.30pm after being released by the abductors.

“Following the victim’s release, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified intelligence-driven efforts to apprehend members of the criminal gang responsible for the abduction.

“Consequently, on the 19th of May 2026 around 6am, operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout within the Orile Ilugun Forest area, along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway.

‘On sighting the Police operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a fierce gun duel.

“The operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, leading to the neutralisation of the gang’s kingpin, while other members of the syndicate fled into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot injury.

The police spokesman stated that one AK-47 rifle loaded with twenty rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, N2m and two mobile phones were recovered from the operation.

He added that the corpse of the neutralised kingpin was deposited at a morgue for autopsy in line with standard procedure, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the operatives during the operation.

The CP reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State.