Abeokuta, Nigeria — Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have killed a suspected kidnapping kingpin during a gun battle in Ogun State, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ₦2 million believed to be proceeds of criminal activities.
The operation, carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command, took place at a criminal hideout in the Orile Ilugun Forest axis along the Abeokuta-Ibadan Expressway.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the raid followed intelligence-driven efforts launched after the successful rescue of a kidnap victim abducted last Thursday at Nufats Fuel Station in Odeda Local Government Area.
Babaseyi said the victim was freed unharmed on Monday at about 8:30 p.m., prompting operatives to intensify a manhunt for the gang responsible.
Acting on credible intelligence, police stormed the forest hideout at about 6:00 a.m. on Monday, where they encountered armed resistance.
“On sighting the Police operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a fierce gun duel. The operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, leading to the neutralisation of the gang’s kingpin, while other members fled into the forest with gunshot injuries,” he said.
Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, two mobile phones and ₦2 million suspected to be ransom proceeds.
The police said the body of the slain suspect has been deposited in a morgue for autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
Reacting to the development, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their professionalism and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and violent crimes.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The latest operation underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement authorities to curb rising incidents of kidnapping along major highways and forest corridors in the state.
