Ogun Police Rescue Abducted Truck Driver, Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers, Recover AK-47s
The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing battle against kidnapping and other violent crimes following the successful rescue of an abducted professional truck driver and the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, also resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 25 rounds of 5.6mm live ammunition, two mobile phones and N2 million in cash, which the Police said was reasonably suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.
Global Mirror News gathered that the victim, a professional truck driver, was abducted at about 11:10 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, around the Ajibawo area of Ibese, Ogun State.
The incident was reported to the Police, following which the Anti-Kidnapping Unit immediately commenced intelligence-led efforts to locate the victim, rescue him safely and apprehend the perpetrators.
According to the Police, operatives acting on actionable intelligence subsequently stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout located along the Papalanto–Ilaro Road.
During the tactical operation, the operatives engaged the suspected kidnappers, resulting in the neutralisation of two members of the gang.
The Police said other members of the gang managed to escape from the scene, but not before sustaining varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
Following the operation, the security operatives conducted a search of the hideout and recovered two AK-47 rifles, 25 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, two mobile phones and N2 million cash.
The Command said the recovered money was reasonably suspected to be proceeds from criminal activities.
The bodies of the two suspected kidnappers were subsequently deposited at a morgue for autopsy, while the Police have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing members of the gang.
The development was contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, ASP Oluborode Opeyemi.
Opeyemi said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of the command’s intelligence-driven approach to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its gallantry, professionalism, courage and operational effectiveness during the operation.
Ojajuni said the successful rescue of the victim and recovery of the weapons had further reinforced the command’s determination to relentlessly pursue kidnappers and other violent criminals wherever they seek refuge.
The Commissioner declared that Ogun State would remain a hostile terrain for criminal elements, assuring residents that the command would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, tactical operations and strategic partnerships with communities to safeguard lives and property.
He also urged residents to remain security-conscious and provide the police with timely, useful and credible information that could assist in preventing crime and apprehending criminal suspects.
The Police particularly appealed to members of the public and health workers to report anyone who may seek medical attention for suspicious gunshot injuries, as some of the fleeing gang members were reportedly wounded during the encounter.
The Ogun Police Command said such information could assist ongoing efforts to locate and arrest the remaining members of the kidnapping gang.
The latest operation comes amid continuing concerns over the rising incidence of kidnapping in Nigeria. A recent report by SBM Intelligence, cited by Reuters, estimated that 7,825 people were kidnapped across Nigeria between July 2025 and June 2026, while at least 1,142 people were killed during the period. The report also estimated that more than N7.78 billion ($5.79 million) was paid in ransom.
Against this backdrop, the Ogun operation is expected to provide some relief to residents, particularly communities along routes vulnerable to criminal activities.
The Police, however, maintained that the operation would not end with the rescue of the victim and recovery of weapons, as efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents and ensuring that criminal groups do not use Ogun State as a safe haven for kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Global Mirror News reports that the successful operation highlights the importance of intelligence gathering, rapid security response and cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies in tackling kidnapping and other security threats.
