OPERATIVES of the Ogun State Police Command have dealt a significant blow to a kidnapping syndicate, shooting dead two suspected abductors and arresting the alleged gang leader along with another member during a series of intelligence-led operations.
The suspects in custody have been named as Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi and Mohammed Bello, while police also recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with ten rounds of ammunition, a single-barrel gun, ₦1.5 million believed to be ransom proceeds, several mobile phones, and a black bag linked to the gang’s criminal activities.
According to police sources, the breakthrough followed weeks of intensive investigation into the abduction of three victims who were seized on 11 May 2026 in the Ipojo area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu, in Ogun State.
The three captives were released unharmed on 14 May after their kidnappers received a ransom payment. Following their release, detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit ramped up efforts to identify and dismantle the gang responsible.
In the early hours of 15 May, acting on credible intelligence, police operatives stormed a suspected hideout along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road. Police sources disclosed that the suspects opened fire as soon as they spotted the approaching security team. Officers returned fire with superior force, resulting in the deaths of two suspected gang members.
Several other members of the syndicate reportedly fled into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds sustained during the exchange.
Subsequent intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of the alleged gang leader, Seriki Mohammed Abdullahi, and another suspected member, Mohammed Bello. Security operatives also recovered additional exhibits believed to be connected to the gang’s kidnapping operations.
The bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at a mortuary for post-mortem examinations, while efforts continue to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the syndicate.
Police authorities confirmed that all recovered items have been secured as exhibits, and investigations remain ongoing to uncover the full scope of the gang’s activities and to ensure the prosecution of those arrested.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police for Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved for their courage, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
He reaffirmed the command’s determination to sustain the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes, assuring residents that security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and property across Ogun State.
