Ogun Police Smash Criminal Networks, Rescue 7 Kidnap Victims, Kill 3 Suspects, Arrest 38
…Recover AK-47, 75 rounds of ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, cash, other exhibits
The Ogun State Police Command has intensified its offensive against criminal elements across the State, rescuing seven kidnapped victims, neutralising three suspected kidnappers and arresting 38 suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations.
The latest breakthrough, according to the Command, underscores the growing pressure being mounted on kidnapping syndicates, cult groups, fraudsters, suspected armed robbers and other criminal networks operating within different parts of Ogun State.
The Police also disclosed that two firearms, 75 rounds of live ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, cash and other suspected criminal exhibits were recovered during the operations.
Global Mirror News gathered that the rescue operation followed the abduction of seven victims along Paraga Street, Ipara, Ogun State, on July 29, 2026.
Following the incident, operatives attached to the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, launched an intelligence-driven operation aimed at locating the victims and apprehending the kidnappers.
The operation received a major boost on August 3 when aerial surveillance was deployed following a request by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.
The combination of intelligence gathering, ground surveillance and aerial operations eventually led security operatives to the location of the victims.
All seven abductees were subsequently rescued alive and taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention.
One of the victims, who sustained a gunshot injury during the ordeal, was treated and stabilised.
The successful rescue came amid renewed concerns over kidnapping and other violent crimes in parts of Ogun, particularly communities located around major highways and areas bordering forests and other difficult terrains often exploited by criminal gangs.
Three Suspected Kidnappers Killed in Gun Battle
Determined to dismantle the gang behind the abduction, security operatives intensified their pursuit of the fleeing suspects.
At about 2am on August 6, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, supported by DSS personnel and acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.
The suspects reportedly engaged the Security team in a gun battle.
In the ensuing confrontation, three suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while other members of the gang reportedly escaped with possible gunshot injuries.
An AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, four mobile phones and N2.3 million cash were recovered from the hideout.
The remains of the three suspects were deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy, while the Police said efforts were continuing to track down the fleeing members of the criminal network.
38 Suspects Arrested in Wider Crackdown
Beyond the kidnapping operation, the Ogun Police Command said its ongoing Security offensive had also resulted in the arrest of 38 suspects in separate operations across the State.
Among those arrested were 23 foreign Nationals allegedly linked to suspected Ponzi scheme, visa scam and immigration-related offences.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended during a raid on a residential building at Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota, in the Atan-Ota area.
Following the operation, 21 of the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on August 5, while two others remained in police custody over alleged obtaining by false pretence and related offences.
The Command also reported the arrest of 12 suspected cultists following a raid on an alleged cult gathering at Harodous Hotel, Lattykay, Igbesa.
Police said the operation led to the recovery of assorted charms, battle axes, knives, cult paraphernalia, eight motorcycles, a black Lexus and an unregistered red Toyota Camry.
Suspected Fraudster Arrested Over Alleged N2.5m Pilgrimage Scam
In another development, detectives attached to the Obantoko Division arrested a suspected fraudster identified as Kehinde Makinde, popularly known as “Pastor Kenny”.
His arrest reportedly followed a four-month investigation into allegations that he defrauded members of a fellowship in Ogun State.
Police alleged that Makinde had promised the victims that he would organise a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem and pay each participant N2 million.
According to the Command, about N2.5 million was allegedly collected from 18 members of the fellowship.
The suspect is expected to assist investigators as the Police continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged scheme.
More Weapons Recovered
In another operation, Officers attached to the Sakura Division recovered an English submachine gun and 75 rounds of live ammunition from a damaged wardrobe in a rented apartment.
The firearm was reportedly discovered while the apartment, previously occupied by a deceased landlord, was being cleared.
Police are expected to investigate how the weapon and ammunition found their way into the building and determine whether they are connected to any criminal activity.
Meanwhile, at Itele-Ijebu, operatives arrested a man identified as Babatunde Olasunkanmi over an alleged armed robbery attempt involving a commercial motorcyclist.
A locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel pistol, criminal charms, a mobile phone and an ATM card were reportedly recovered from him.
The suspect’s alleged accomplice was said to have escaped with the victim’s motorcycle.
Police Recover Stolen Vehicles, Motorcycle
The Command also disclosed the recovery of a stolen Toyota Hilux along the Alapako-Ogunmakin Road.
The vehicle was reportedly confirmed stolen from its owner’s residence four days earlier.
Similarly, an abandoned red Bajaj motorcycle was recovered near a mechanic’s workshop at Trailer Park, Kara, Sabo-Sagamu.
The Police said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the abandoned motorcycle and identify those responsible for its disappearance.
In another case, officers arrested a 31-year-old man, Samuel Adetunji, over alleged theft of a commercial tricycle entrusted to him by its owner.
The tricycle was subsequently recovered at Rounder, Abeokuta.
Police Commissioner Commends Abiodun, Security Agencies
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support towards security operations in the State.
He particularly acknowledged the Governor’s intervention which facilitated the deployment of a Police helicopter during the operation to rescue the seven kidnapped victims.
Ojajuni also praised personnel of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, DSS, Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their collaboration and commitment to the operations.
The Commissioner assured residents that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated operations to disrupt criminal networks and prevent Ogun State from becoming a safe haven for criminals.
The latest operations come as the State continues to strengthen its Security architecture amid concerns over kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, fraud and other forms of organised crime.
For residents and businesses operating across Ogun, the Police successes offer renewed hope that sustained inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-led policing can significantly weaken criminal networks and improve public safety.
The Command, however, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security Agencies that could assist in identifying criminals, their hideouts, collaborators and sources of logistics.
The Police stressed that the fight against criminality requires not only the commitment of security personnel but also active cooperation from residents and communities.
Global Mirror News will continue to monitor developments as security agencies intensify the manhunt for fleeing suspects and investigate the various criminal cases arising from the latest operations.
