Security agencies launch manhunt for fleeing gang members

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three suspected kidnappers during a joint security operation that led to the rescue of seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were abducted from their hostel last week.

The students were kidnapped at about 7:40 p.m. on July 29, 2026, along Paraga Street, Ipara, Ogun State. They were subsequently rescued and handed over to their families by the Ogun State Government.

The rescue operation involved personnel of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, as well as local vigilantes and hunters.

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed  in a statement yesterday that immediately after receiving information about the abduction, the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with other security agencies, commenced intelligence gathering and coordinated operations to locate the kidnappers’ hideout and rescue the victims.

According to him, the operation received additional aerial support on August 3, following a request by Governor Dapo Abiodun to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for the deployment of a police helicopter from the Police Air Wing to complement the ground operations.

He said that at about 2:00 a.m. on August 6, anti-kidnapping operatives, supported by DSS personnel and other security agencies, acted on credible intelligence and located the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.

Babaseyi said the suspects opened fire on the security operatives after sighting them, resulting in a gun battle during which three suspected members of the gang were killed.

He added that other members of the gang escaped, some of them with suspected gunshot wounds, prompting security agencies to intensify efforts to track them down.

The seven students were rescued during the operation and immediately taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention.

One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was treated by medical personnel.

The police spokesperson said the security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, one empty magazine, four mobile phones and N2.3 million in cash from the suspected kidnappers’ hideout.

He added that the bodies of the three deceased suspects had been deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy.

Meanwhile, the police and other security agencies have intensified intelligence gathering and launched a manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang, with a view to arresting them and bringing them to justice.
Photo Exhibits: Caption: Recovered money and other exhibits