The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of Ogun State Police Command overpowered a gang of kidnappers in their hideout and neutralised five of them during a gun duel exchange in the early hours of Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
The face-off came four days after the three victims, identified as Bolaji Bilesanmi (65), Olasunkanmi Idowu (50), and Mohammed Salisu (age unknown) were abducted along Sagamu-Ijebu Ode expressway on January 25, 2025, at about 7p.m.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, who spoke on the kidnapping, said that immediately the Area Commander, Sagamu, received a distress call from commuters travelling along the road about an ongoing armed robbery near Ilishan, he swiftly mobilized a crack team of officers to the scene.
“Upon arrival, officers 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.
“In the ensuing chaos, three commuters – Bolaji Bilesanmi ‘m’ 65yrs, Olasunkanmi Idowu ‘m’ 50yrs, and Mohammed Salisu ‘m’ (age unknown) – were abducted into the forest from two vehicles: (1) Honda Pilot with registration number Lagos EKY 113 GZ and (2) Honda Accord Car with registration number Lagos KJA 13 QF,” she said.
The PPRO stated further that this made Commissioner of Police, Dr Lanre Ogunlowo, to direct a covert operation led by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
CSP Odutola added: “On January 29, 2025, at about 0400hrs (4a.m.), operatives located the kidnappers’ hideout, 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.
“Recovered from the scene were an AK-47 rifle, 10 rounds of 5.6mm calibre ammunition, ₦5.2 million (suspected to be proceeds of crime) and three mobile phones.
“The three kidnapped victims regained their freedom unhurt. Efforts are ongoing to arrest injured members of the syndicate”
In his comment, the Commissioner of Police warned against criminal activities, particularly among young individuals seeking financial gain through high-profile crimes.
He reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to an aggressive crackdown on criminals preying on innocent residents in the Gateway State.
