Ogun Police Neutralise Suspected Kidnap Kingpin, Recover AK-47, N2m In Forest Raid

The Ogun State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes after operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit neutralised a suspected kidnap kingpin during a gun battle in Ogun State.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday May 19 by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation was carried out at a criminal hideout located within the Orile Ilugun Forest axis along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway.

Global Mirror News gathered that the intelligence-led operation followed the successful rescue and release of a kidnapping victim who was abducted on May 14, 2026, at Nufats Fuel Station along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway in the Odeda area of Ogun State.

The victim was reportedly released unharmed by the abductors on May 18 at about 8:30 p.m.

Following the victim’s freedom, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified efforts to track down members of the criminal gang responsible for the abduction.

Police disclosed that on May 19 at about 6:00 a.m., security operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout after acting on credible intelligence.

The suspected kidnappers allegedly opened fire immediately they sighted the operatives, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The Command said the operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of the gang leader, while other members of the syndicate escaped into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle loaded with twenty rounds of 5.6mm live ammunition, the sum of Two Million Naira (₦2 million), and two mobile phones suspected to belong to the criminal gang.

Police authorities confirmed that the corpse of the neutralised suspect has been deposited at a morgue for autopsy in line with standard procedures, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their gallantry, professionalism, and resilience during the operation.

He also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

The Police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and criminal activities through the Command’s emergency lines.