ABEOKUTA– Five suspected kidnappers have sustained different degrees of injuries in an engagement with the Nigerian police along Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway, in Ogun state.
The police operation was in response to a distress call from commuters travelling on the road.
The crack team of officers, led by the area commander upon arrival discovered that a group of unidentified gunmen had set up a roadblock using an articulated truck, indiscriminately opening fire on unarmed passengers, causing widespread panic.
The Ogun police command spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, in a press statement stated that in the ensuing chaos, three commuters, Bolaji Bilesanmi, Olasunkanmi Idowu, and Mohammed Salisu, were abducted into the forest from two vehicles.
The kidnappers hideout were however located, and upon sighting the police squad, the gang engaged the officers in a fierce gun battle. “In the exchange, five kidnappers were fatally injured while others escaped with gunshot wounds”, Odutola said
One AK-47 rifle, ten rounds of 5.6mm calibre ammunition, ₦5.2 million, suspected to be proceeds of crime and three mobile phones were recovered from the kidnappers
“The three kidnapped victims regained their freedom unhurt. Efforts are ongoing to arrest injured members of the syndicate.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly warns against criminal activities, particularly among young individuals seeking financial gain through high-profile crimes.
“He reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to an aggressive crackdown on criminals preying on innocent citizens in Ogun State”, the statement reads
