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By Christopher Oji and Faheem Lawal
The Ogun State Police Command has shot dead three suspected kidnappers, rescued seven victims and arrested 38 others in a series of operations across the state.
Some of the suspectsare 23 foreigners linked to an alleged Ponzi scheme and visa scam.
Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the Command also recovered an AK-47 rifle, a submachine gun, 75 rounds of live ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, charms and other exhibits during crackdown on criminal elements .
The PPRO said ,”In the most significant operation, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working with the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and other security agencies, rescued seven victims abducted on July 29, 2026, at about 7:40pm, along Paraga Street, Ipara. The unit immediately mobilised and commenced intelligence-led operations upon receiving the report.
“On August 3, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, engaged the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, who promptly approved the deployment of a police helicopter from the Air Wing to complement ground operations. The combination of aerial support, intelligence sharing and coordinated ground operations enabled the security team to locate and rescue all seven victims. One victim sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and received treatment at the Police Hospital.
“Rather than stand down after the rescue, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit intensified efforts to track the fleeing kidnappers. At about 2am on August 6, operatives stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.
“ The suspects engaged the security team in a gun battle, during which three were neutralised while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds. Recovered from the hideout were one AK-47 rifle, one empty magazine, four mobile phones and N2.3 million cash. The bodies of the deceased suspects were deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang are ongoing.
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“In a separate operation on August 3, Itele Division arrested Babatunde Olasunkanmi after he allegedly pointed a locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel pistol at a commercial motorcyclist at Orji Block Area, Itele, while his accomplice fled with the victim’s red Bajaj motorcycle. Recovered from the suspect were the pistol, criminal charms, a Tecno Android phone and a UBA ATM card. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice.
“On August 4, operatives of Atan-Ota Division raided a gated residential building off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota, and arrested 23 foreign nationals in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme, visa scam and immigration-related offences. Following preliminary investigation, 21 of the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on August 5, while two were retained by police for prosecution in connection with obtaining by false pretence and related offences.
“After four months of intelligence gathering, detectives attached to Obantoko Division on August 3 arrested Kehinde Makinde, popularly known as “Pastor Kenny,” in Ibadan, Oyo State, over allegations that he fraudulently manipulated victims under the guise of spiritual deliverance across Ogun, Oyo and Osun States. Preliminary investigation revealed he allegedly obtained about N2.5 million from 18 fellowship members in Saje, Adatan, under the false pretence of organising a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem while promising each member N2 million.
“On August 5, Sakura Division recovered one English Submachine Gun and 75 rounds of live ammunition concealed inside a damaged wardrobe discovered while clearing a rented apartment previously occupied by a deceased landlord. The exhibits will undergo ballistic examination at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
“Also on August 3, operatives of Idi Oke Division responded to intelligence about suspected cultists harassing patrons at Harodous Hotel, Lattykay, Igbesa, and arrested 12 suspects while others fled. Recovered during the operation were assorted charms, battle axes, knives, cult paraphernalia, eight motorcycles, one black Lexus vehicle and one unregistered red Toyota Camry.
“In two separate operations on August 4, Owode-Egba Division recovered an abandoned white Toyota Hilux along Alapako-Ogunmakin Road, later confirmed stolen from its owner four days earlier, and arrested Samuel Adetunji, 31, for allegedly stealing a commercial tricycle entrusted to him. The tricycle was recovered at Rounder, Abeokuta.
“On August 5, Sagamu Division also recovered an abandoned red Bajaj motorcycle near a mechanic workshop at Trailer Park, Kara, Sabo Sagamu, while investigation continues to identify the owner.
“CP Bode Ojajuni commended the Governor for his proactive intervention and engagement with the IGP that facilitated the helicopter deployment, and praised the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, DSS, Nigerian Army and other agencies for their collaboration in the operations. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the police.”
