Abeokuta – A combined team of tactical operatives from the Ogun State Police Command and other security agencies has neutralised two suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim unhurt during a sting operation in the Onipanu area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the operation followed the abduction of Alhaji Hassan Atoyebi on October 27, 2025, at about 8:14 p.m.
According to Odutola, the kidnappers had invaded Atoyebi’s compound, switched off a running generator to lure occupants outside, and ambushed them.
“Unaware of the danger, the victim and another resident came out to inspect what they thought was a mechanical fault but were attacked by the assailants, who subsequently abducted Alhaji Baki Hassan Atoyebi,” the statement read.
The suspects also carted away valuables, including a POS machine, N900,000 in cash, three mobile phones, a power bank, and keys to a Highlander and Corolla vehicle.
Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family, demanding a N30 million ransom for his release.
Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, ordered a combined operation involving officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anti-Crime Section, Surveillance Team, Vigilante Group, So-Safe Corps, and local hunters.
The joint team trailed the hoodlums to their hideout along a creek, where two of the kidnappers were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
The victim was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family. His mobile phones and vehicle keys were also recovered from the scene.
CP Ogunlowo commended the gallantry and synergy displayed by the security teams and reassured residents of the command’s continued commitment to public safety.
“The Commissioner of Police further reiterated that Ogun State will continue to be unsafe for criminal elements to operate in any form,” the statement added.
The operation is the latest in a series of successful anti-kidnapping efforts by the Ogun State Police Command. In July, two suspected kidnappers were neutralised in the Owode-Egba area after three residents were abducted in the Ajebo community.
