Ogun Police Kill Kidnapping Kingpin, Recover AK-47, N2m in Forest Raid

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have killed a suspected kidnapping kingpin during an intelligence-led operation in a forest hideout along the Orile-Ilugun axis of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway.

The operation, which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of ammunition, N2 million in cash, and two mobile phones.

Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the raid followed the release of a kidnapped victim abducted days earlier at a filling station along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway in Odeda Local Government Area.

According to the police, the victim was abducted on May 14, 2026, at Nufats Fuel Station but regained freedom on May 18, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m. without injury after being released by the kidnappers.

Following the victim’s release, operatives intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering to track down members of the gang responsible for the abduction.

Acting on credible intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad stormed the forest hideout at about 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, where they encountered armed resistance from the suspects.

The police said a gun battle ensued after the criminals opened fire on sighting the operatives.

In the exchange, officers reportedly responded with superior firepower, killing the gang’s leader while other members escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.

Recovered items from the scene included one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, N2 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, and two mobile phones.

The corpse of the neutralised suspect has been deposited in a morgue for autopsy, while a manhunt has been launched for fleeing members of the syndicate.

Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for what he described as professionalism, courage and tactical efficiency during the operation.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, with the command providing emergency contact numbers for rapid response.

This latest operation comes days after another deadly raid in which operatives killed two suspected kidnappers and arrested a suspected gang leader, Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, alongside another suspect, Mohammed Bello, with firearms and ransom money reportedly recovered.

That earlier operation followed intelligence linked to the abduction of three persons in Ijebu Ode axis earlier in May.