OPERATIVES of the Ogun State Police command have killed two suspected kidnappers during a gun duel in the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Omolola Odutola, in a statement on the development, said: “On June 30, 2024, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ikenne received a distress call reporting an incident at around 7:10 pm near Delabo junction on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway.
“It was reported that unidentified armed individuals, believed to be kidnappers, accosted a Toyota Rav 4 jeep with registration number AGL 16 JE, colored grey.
“The armed men, who emerged from an unregistered Venza car, fired four shots at the driver’s side’s tire and another at the rear side of the driver, forcing the vehicle to a stop.
“Subsequently, they forcefully abducted the occupants of the vehicle, and fled towards Ijebu-Ode.
“Upon receiving the distress call, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the command was dispatched with explicit instructions to pursue the fleeing suspects.
“Through a covert operation, the suspects were located in a bush where they were hiding.
“Upon noticing the police officers’ flashlight, they engaged the operatives in a gun battle.
“The Anti-Kidnapping Squad’s superior firepower led to the elimination of two suspects, while the remaining criminals escaped with injuries, leaving behind their weapons.
“The victims later identified as one Nigerian and three Indian nationals, were safely rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.
“Recovered items from the suspects include 109 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five AK- 47 rifles, eight AK-47 magazines and two cell phones.”
Odutola encouraged residents of the state to report individuals with gunshot wounds to security operatives.
