The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, with operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit neutralising two suspected kidnappers and arresting an alleged gang leader, Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, along with another suspected accomplice, Mohammed Bello.
The development was disclosed on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, who stated that the operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a single-barrel gun, ₦1.5 million suspected to be ransom proceeds, several mobile phones, and a black bag believed to be linked to the criminal activities of the syndicate.
According to the police spokesperson, the operation followed extensive intelligence-driven investigations into the abduction of three individuals kidnapped on May 11, 2026, in the Ipojo area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu, Ogun State.
Babaseyi explained that the victims were eventually released unharmed on May 14 after the payment of an undisclosed ransom. Following their release, operatives intensified efforts to identify and apprehend members of the gang responsible for the crime.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad reportedly stormed the suspects’ hideout along the Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan Road axis in the early hours of May 15.
“The suspects engaged the operatives in a gun battle immediately they sighted the police team,” Babaseyi said. “The officers responded tactically and professionally, leading to the neutralisation of two members of the gang, while others escaped into the nearby forest with gunshot wounds.”
The police further revealed that follow-up intelligence operations led to the arrest of the suspected kingpin, Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, and another gang member, Mohammed Bello, as investigators recovered additional items believed to be connected to the kidnapping operation.
Authorities confirmed that the bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited in a morgue for autopsy in line with standard procedures, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the criminal network.
“All recovered exhibits have been secured, and investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire syndicate and ensure the prosecution of those arrested,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their bravery, professionalism, and dedication, reiterating the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.