Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, N2 million and two mobile phones after killing a suspected kidnapping kingpin.

The suspect was neutralised during an intelligence-led operation at a criminal hideout located within the Orile Ilugun Forest axis along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the development in a statement yesterday, noting that the operation followed the successful rescue of a victim abducted on May 14, 2026, at Nufats Fuel Station along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway in the Odeda area of the state.

He said the victim regained freedom unharmed on May 18, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m. after being released by the abductors.

Following the victim’s release, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified intelligence-driven efforts to arrest members of the criminal gang responsible for the abduction.

“Consequently, on May 19, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout within the Orile Ilugun Forest area along the Abeokuta–Ibadan Expressway. “On sighting the police operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a fierce gun duel.

“The operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, leading to the killing of the gang’s kingpin, while other members of the syndicate fled into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” he said.

Babaseyi added that the corpse of the suspected kingpin had been deposited at a morgue for autopsy in line with standard procedure, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the gallantry, professionalism and resilience displayed by the operatives during the operation.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State.