- Safiu Kehinde
At least three suspected kidnappers have been neutralised with 38 other crime suspects arrested in multiple raids on criminal networks by the Ogun State Police Command.
The raid also led to the rescue of seven kidnap victims while the arrested criminal suspects as profiled by the police include 23 foreign nationals nabbed in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme/visa scam, 12 suspected cultists, one suspected armed robber and a suspected fraudster/fake clergyman.
Also recovered during the raid were firearms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles and other exhibits.
This was made known in a statement issued on Monday by the Ogun Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.
According to the statement, the three neutralised kidnappers had abducted the seven rescued victims on the 29th of July along Paraga street at Ipara area of Ogun state.
The anti-kidnapping unit of the police would in collaboration with the Department of State Services, DSS, embarked on the rescue mission for the kidnap victims on the 3rd of August.
‘On 3rd August, 2026, the ongoing operation received additional aerial support following a request by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun, CON, to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM.
‘The request was promptly approved, resulting in the deployment of a Police helicopter from the Police Air Wing to complement the ongoing ground operations.
‘The combination of intelligence sharing, surveillance, aerial support and coordinated ground operations subsequently enabled the security team to locate and rescue the seven victims from their abductors.
‘The rescued victims were immediately taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention. One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and received appropriate treatment.’ Babaseyi wrote.
In furtherance of the operation, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working closely with the DSS and other security agencies, immediately intensified efforts to locate and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang, killing three of them while others escaped.
‘Consequently, at about 0200hrs on 6th August, 2026, anti-kidnapping operatives, supported by DSS personnel and acting on credible intelligence, located and stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.
‘The suspects engaged the security operatives in a gun battle, during which three suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while other members of the gang escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
‘Recovered from the hideout were one AK-47 rifle, one empty magazine, four mobile phones and ₦2.3 million in cash.
‘The bodies of the deceased suspects were deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy.’ The statement read further.
In another operation on the 3rd of August, one Babatunde Olasunkanmi was arrested over for robbing a motorcyclist.
Babajide allegedly pointed a locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel pistol at the victim while his accomplice made away with the victim’s red Bajaj motorcycle.
Following his arrest by the police, the locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel pistol, criminal charms, one Tecno Android phone and one UBA ATM card were recovered from him while effort is ongoing in apprehending his accomplice.
Also recorded the same day was the arrest of 12 suspected cultists.
Acting proactively on credible intelligence, operatives of the Idi Oke Division responded to reports of suspected cultists harassing and extorting patrons at Harodous Hotel, Lattykay, Igbesa.
Police personnel swiftly mobilised, cordoned off the area and arrested twelve (12) suspects, while several others fled.
Recovered during the operation were assorted charms, battle axes, knives, cult paraphernalia, eight motorcycles, one black Lexus vehicle and one unregistered red Toyota Camry.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while those arrested will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
On the 4th of August, the Atan-Ota Division raided a gated residential building within an estate off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota, where 23 foreign nationals were arrested in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme/visa scam and other immigration-related offences.
According to Babaseyi, the operation followed intelligence received by the Police concerning suspected fraudulent activities at the location.
Police personnel promptly mobilised, secured the premises and arrested the suspects for further investigation.
One Malian international passport bearing the name Diakite Alfousseini was recovered during the operation.
Following preliminary investigation, 21 of the suspects were formally handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on 5th August, 2026, for further immigration-related investigation and appropriate action.
However, two suspects were retained by the Police for prosecution in connection with Obtaining by False Pretence (OBT) and other related offences, subject to the conclusion of investigation. Investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent activities and identify any other persons connected with the scheme.
Reacting to the development, the Ogun Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the state’s Governor, Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun, for his proactive intervention, unwavering support and continued commitment to strengthening the security architecture of the State.
Ojajuni, according to Babaseyi, particularly appreciated the Governor’s prompt engagement with the Inspector-General of Police, which facilitated the deployment of the Police helicopter that significantly enhanced the coordinated operation leading to the successful rescue of the seven victims.
The Commissioner further commended officers and men of the Command, particularly the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical and investigative teams, for their professionalism, courage, vigilance and prompt response to the security challenge.
He also commended the DSS, Nigerian Army and other sister security agencies for their effective collaboration, intelligence sharing and operational support, noting that the successful rescue of the victims and subsequent disruption of the suspected kidnappers’ hideout demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated security action.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, rapid response and sustained inter-agency collaboration to prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities and bring perpetrators to justice.
He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the Police through established channels.