Ogun Police Neutralize Five Kidnappers in Gun Battle, Rescue Abducted Victims
Operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit of the Ogun State Police Command on Wednesday engaged a gang of kidnappers in a fierce gun battle along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, killing five suspects while others managed to escape with gunshot wounds.
The police recovered an AK-47 rifle, 10 rounds of 5.6mm caliber ammunition, N5.2 million (suspected to be proceeds of crime), and three mobile phones from the criminals.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed the details in a statement released to journalists on Wednesday.
According to Odutola, the incident unfolded on Saturday, January 25, 2025, when the Sagamu Area Commander received a distress call at approximately 7:00 PM from commuters traveling along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway. Reports indicated that unidentified gunmen had set up a roadblock using an articulated truck near Ilishan, Ogun State, indiscriminately shooting at travelers and causing widespread panic.
Amidst the chaos, three commuters—Bolaji Bilesanmi (65), Olasunkanmi Idowu (50), and Mohammed Salisu (age unknown)—were forcibly abducted into the forest from their vehicles, a Honda Pilot (Lagos EKY113GZ) and a Honda Accord (Lagos KJA13QFA).
In response, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, ordered a covert operation, directing the anti-kidnapping unit to storm the kidnappers’ hideout at around 4:00 AM on Wednesday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Upon arrival, the operatives were met with heavy gunfire from the criminals, prompting an intense exchange. During the shootout, five kidnappers were neutralized, while others fled with bullet wounds into the surrounding forest.
The three kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unharmed during the operation.
The police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects and urged the public, particularly medical personnel, to report anyone seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds.
Commissioner Ogunlowo reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance policy on crime, warning individuals, especially youths, against engaging in high-profile criminal activities for financial gain. He assured residents that the police would intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements preying on innocent citizens.
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