ABEOKUTA, Ogun State — Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers and arrested two others during an intelligence-led operation in the Atan area of Ijebu, days after three members of a family were abducted from their residence in Ogun State.
The operation, carried out by detectives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command, followed investigations into the abduction of three persons from the Ipojo area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu. The victims had reportedly been kidnapped on Monday by heavily armed gunmen before regaining freedom on Thursday after ransom negotiations.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued in Abeokuta by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who said the command launched coordinated intelligence and tactical operations immediately after the abduction was reported.
According to police findings, the abductors invaded Ipojo Golden Estate in the Oke-Eri axis of Ijebu-Ode at about 7 p.m., reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons. The attackers forcefully entered the residence, searched the building, and abducted three members of the same family.
Family sources earlier disclosed that the head of the household, Yesiru Badewa, was away on official duty when the attack occurred. One of the abducted victims was also reported to be ill at the time of the kidnapping, heightening concerns over their safety while in captivity.
Police authorities stated that following the victims’ release on Thursday after payment of an undisclosed ransom, investigators intensified efforts to identify and track members of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the operation.
Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit traced suspects linked to the abduction to a hideout in the Atan area of Ijebu, where a coordinated raid was launched.
During the operation, the suspects reportedly opened fire on police operatives, resulting in a gun battle. Police said two of the suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during the exchange, while two others were arrested alive.
Authorities indicated that weapons and other operational items connected to the kidnapping gang were recovered from the scene, although the command had not released a comprehensive inventory of seized exhibits as of the time of reporting.
The arrested suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to assist investigators in identifying additional members of the kidnapping network operating within Ogun State and neighbouring areas.
DSP Babaseyi stated that the operation reflects the command’s ongoing commitment to dismantling kidnapping syndicates through intelligence-driven policing and tactical intervention.
The Ogun State Police Command has in recent weeks intensified anti-kidnapping and anti-violent crime operations across different parts of the state amid growing concerns over armed attacks, abductions, and organised criminal activity. Earlier operations led to arrests linked to armed robbery, vehicle theft, and firearm possession in Ifo, Sango-Ota, and other areas.
Security analysts note that Ogun State’s proximity to Lagos and its extensive road networks have increasingly made some rural and semi-urban areas vulnerable to organised criminal groups involved in kidnapping-for-ransom operations.
The Ijebu axis, including remote settlements and estate communities, has in recent years witnessed intermittent security incidents involving armed gangs exploiting forest routes and less-patrolled corridors.
Residents in affected communities have repeatedly called for stronger security deployment and surveillance around residential estates and rural settlements, particularly following recent cases of abduction and armed invasion.
Police authorities have assured residents that ongoing tactical operations and intelligence gathering efforts will continue across the state to prevent further attacks and apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate.
The command also urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information capable of aiding investigations and preventing criminal activities.
Investigations into the kidnapping network are ongoing, while the arrested suspects are expected to face prosecution upon conclusion of the inquiry.
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