Police foil kidnap ring, recover rifle in Ogun

Police operatives in Ogun State have killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered an AK-47 rifle in a follow-up operation after securing the release of the abducted Prince of Okun-Owa.

The prince was kidnapped at his home in Okun-Owa, Odogbolu Local Government Area, at about 7.30 p.m. on June 30, triggering a major security operation across the area.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta, the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the command immediately mobilised its Anti-Kidnapping Unit alongside other tactical teams to track the abductors.

He said sustained intelligence-driven operations mounted by the police mounted pressure on the kidnappers, forcing them to free the victim unharmed.

The police later acted on fresh intelligence that led operatives to the Agoro/Imodi area, where they encountered members of the gang.

According to Babaseyi, the suspects resisted arrest by opening fire on the operatives.

“The operatives responded decisively, leading to the neutralisation of two kidnappers, while other members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds,” Babaseyi said.

The police spokesman said officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, two mobile phones, a suspected ransom bag and other items believed to have been used during the criminal operation.

He added that the bodies of the deceased suspects had been deposited in a government morgue for autopsy, while efforts were continuing to track down the fleeing gang members and recover more exhibits.

Commending the officers involved, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and supporting tactical teams for what he described as their professionalism and courage.

Ojajuni also reaffirmed the command’s determination to dismantle criminal gangs operating in the state and appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing prompt and credible intelligence.

He assured the public that the command would continue to rely on intelligence-led policing to protect lives and property across Ogun State.