Monday, June 15, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Ogun, Delta police kill kidnap kingpins

Delta Police

By Christopher Oji and Faheem Lawal

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Ogun State Police Command have neutralised a suspected kidnap kingpin during an intelligence-led operation at a criminal hideout located within the Orile Ilugun Forest axis on the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road.

The operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, the sum of N2 million and two mobile phones.

Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the operation followed the successful release of a kidnapped victim who was abducted on May 14, 2026, at Nufats Fuel Station along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road, Odeda.

“The victim regained freedom unharmed on May 18, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m. after being released by the abductors. Following the victim’s release, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified intelligence-driven efforts to apprehend members of the criminal gang responsible for the abduction.

“Consequently, on May 19, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed the kidnappers’ hideout within the Orile Ilugun Forest axis along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway.

“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 of the syndicate fled into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

“Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, the sum of N2 million and two mobile phones.

“The corpse of the neutralised kingpin has been deposited at a morgue for autopsy in line with standard procedure, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

“Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commends the gallantry, professionalism and resilience displayed by the operatives during the operation. The CP reiterates the command’s unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

“Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or criminal activities through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines.”

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has shot dead a suspected kidnapper and recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with five rounds of live ammunition during a coordinated operation by operatives of the State Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) in collaboration with security volunteers.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, in a statement, explained:

“Acting on intelligence gathered during ongoing investigations into recent kidnapping incidents within the state, operatives of SAKU, in the early hours of May 18, 2026, trailed suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate to their hideout in the Ubulu-Okiti forest axis. The syndicate is suspected to be connected to a series of kidnapping operations carried out within Ubulu-Uku, Ubulu-Okiti, Issele-Uku and adjoining communities.

“Upon arrival at the forest hideout, the suspects opened fire on the operatives. The team responded professionally with superior firepower, during which one of the suspected kidnappers sustained serious gunshot injuries, while others escaped into the forest with varying degrees of injuries.

“Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, as well as suspected charms. The injured suspect was taken to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

“A comprehensive combing operation of the forest and adjoining areas is ongoing with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects and recovering additional exhibits.

“Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the bravery and professionalism of the operatives, reaffirming the command’s commitment to sustained community policing and intelligence-based operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the state.

“The command urges members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information, assuring residents that all operational strategies are being intensified to ensure the safety and security of citizens across the state.”