Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria have killed a suspected kidnapping kingpin during an intelligence-led operation at a criminal hideout within the Orile Ilugun forest area along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway.
The operation followed the release of a kidnapping victim abducted on May 14, 2026 at Nufats Fuel Station in the Odeda area of Ogun State. The victim regained freedom unharmed on May 18.
The statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Ogun State Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi stressed that police operatives intensified efforts to arrest members of the criminal gang responsible for the kidnapping and subsequently stormed the kidnappers’ hideout in the early hours of Tuesday based on credible intelligence.
According to the Police, the suspects opened fire on sighting the operatives, leading to a gun duel. The operatives reportedly responded with superior firepower, killing the gang’s kingpin, while other members escaped into the forest with gunshot injuries.
Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of 5.6 millimetre ammunition, the sum of N2 million, and two mobile phones.
Commending the operatives for their gallantry and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)

