Ogun Police Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims, Neutralise Three Suspected Kidnappers

The Ogun State Police Command says it has rescued seven kidnap victims, neutralised three suspected kidnappers and arrested 38 suspects in separate operations across the State.

The command also reported the recovery of two firearms, 75 rounds of live ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, stolen property and other exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, said the successes followed sustained intelligence-led operations and collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

The seven victims were abducted on July 29, 2026, at about 7:40pm along Paraga Street, Ipara, Ogun State.

Following the incident, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched an intelligence-led operation to locate the victims and apprehend their abductors.

The operation received additional aerial support on August 3 after Governor Dapo Abiodun requested the deployment of a police helicopter from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.

The combination of intelligence gathering, surveillance, aerial support and coordinated ground operations led to the location and rescue of the seven victims.

The victims were taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention. One of them sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and was treated.

Police subsequently intensified efforts to track down the fleeing kidnappers.

At about 2am on August 6, anti-kidnapping operatives, supported by DSS personnel and acting on intelligence, stormed a suspected hideout along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.

The suspects allegedly engaged the security operatives in a gun battle, during which three suspected kidnappers were neutralised. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped with suspected gunshot injuries.

Police said one AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, four mobile phones and N2.3 million in cash were recovered from the hideout.

The bodies of the suspected kidnappers were deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy.

In another operation, police arrested 12 suspected cultists following a distress call over an alleged armed robbery attempt involving a commercial motorcyclist along the Orji Block area of Itele.

The suspects were arrested after police personnel cordoned off the area. Assorted charms, battle axes, knives, cult paraphernalia, eight motorcycles, a black Lexus vehicle and an unregistered red Toyota Camry were recovered.

The command also reported the arrest of a 31-year-old man, Samuel Adetunji, over the alleged theft of a commercial tricycle entrusted to him by its owner.

The tricycle was recovered at Rounder, Abeokuta.

In a separate incident, police recovered an abandoned white Toyota Hilux along the Alapako–Ogunmakin Road after the owner confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen from his residence four days earlier.

Operatives of the Sagamu Division also recovered an abandoned red Bajaj motorcycle near a mechanic workshop at Trailer Park, Kara, Sabo Sagamu.

The command said the 38 suspects arrested in its recent operations include 23 foreign nationals allegedly linked to a Ponzi scheme and visa scam, 12 suspected cultists, a suspected armed robber and a suspected fraudster and fake clergyman.

Police said investigations were ongoing, with efforts also underway to apprehend fleeing suspects and identify the owners of recovered property.

Ojajuni commended Governor Abiodun for supporting the security operations, particularly his intervention which facilitated the deployment of the police helicopter.

He also praised officers of the command, especially the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, as well as the DSS, Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their cooperation.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the police as the command intensifies efforts to disrupt criminal networks across the state.