Fear and tension swept through parts of Ogun State after police operatives stormed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout deep inside the Orile Ilugun forest. The operation ended in a deadly gun battle that left a notorious kidnap kingpin dead.
The raid happened along the Abeokuta-Ibadan Expressway after security operatives tracked members of a kidnapping gang linked to a recent abduction case in the state.
Meanwhile, police also recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, cash, and mobile phones from the forest hideout.
According to the Ogun State Police Command, the operation followed the successful rescue of a kidnapping victim who was abducted on May 14, 2026, near Nufats Fuel Station in the Odeda area. The victim was released unharmed days later on May 18 at about 8:30 p.m.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi disclosed the details in a statement released on Tuesday. He explained that operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad immediately launched an intelligence-driven operation after the victim regained freedom.
According to him, security officers acted on credible intelligence gathered during the investigation. Furthermore, the police traced the suspects to a criminal camp hidden inside the Orile Ilugun forest axis.
Babaseyi stated that the operation took place on May 19 at about 6:00 a.m. However, the suspects reportedly opened fire immediately after sighting the police team.
“The operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, leading to the neutralization of the gang’s kingpin, while other members of the syndicate fled into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” Babaseyi said.
The police later recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with twenty rounds of 5.6mm ammunition from the scene. In addition, officers recovered the sum of N2 million and two mobile phones believed to belong to members of the gang.
Authorities confirmed that the body of the slain suspect was deposited at a morgue for an autopsy. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members who escaped with gunshot wounds.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved in the mission.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, commends the gallantry, professionalism, and resilience displayed by the operatives during the operation,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the police boss reassured residents that the command remains fully committed to fighting kidnapping and violent crimes across the state.
Police also urged members of the public to stay alert and report suspicious activities immediately through the hotlines provided:
Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency Lines: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, 0708 497 2994
Security patrols have now been intensified around the expressway and surrounding communities.
