Ijebu-Ode abduction: Police arrest kidnapping kingpin, kill two in gun duel

Operatives of the Ogun State Police on Friday, killed two suspected kidnappers in a gun duel and arrested two others at their hideout along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan expressway.

The arrested suspects, Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, the kidnapping kingpin and Mohammed Bello, a gang member were apprehended at about 5 a.m.

On Monday, the suspects who were part of gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed Ipojo Golden Estate in the Oke-Eri area of Ijebu-Ode and abducted three families members.

DAILY POST learnt that the victims regained their freedom unharmed at about 7:30 p.m. on Thursday following the payment of an unspecified ransom.

The Police Spokesperson in the state, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, while confirming their release on Saturday, said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified efforts to track down members of the gang responsible for the abduction.

Babaseyi stated that the intelligence-led operation led to their arrest and recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with ten rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, one single-barrel gun, the sum of N1.5 Million suspected to be ransom proceeds, several mobile phones, and a black bag.

The Police said, “Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Ogun State Police Command, neutralized two suspected kidnappers and arrested a suspected kidnapping kingpin, Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi ‘M’, alongside a suspected gang member, Mohammed Bello ‘M’, during an intelligence-led operation that also led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with ten rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, one single-barrel gun, the sum of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,500,000) suspected to be ransom proceeds, several mobile phones, and a black bag.”

The image maker added that the kidnappers on sighting police operatives, opened fire, leading to a fierce gun duel.

“The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the neutralisation of two of the suspected kidnappers, while other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of bullet injuries.

“The corpses of the neutralized suspects have been deposited at a morgue for autopsy in line with standard procedure, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate” he added.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their gallantry, professionalism, and resilience, reiterating the command’s unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

Ojajuni also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or criminal activities through the command’s emergency lines.