ABEOKUTA — Police in Nigeria’s southwestern Ogun State have shot dead two suspected kidnappers and recovered a large sum of cash following a gun battle at a criminal hideout.
The shootout occurred during a follow-up operation by the police anti-kidnapping unit, a week after they successfully secured the safe release of an abducted villager.
Authorities said the victim had been seized by armed men on 11 June 2026 in Ogbe village. Intensive tactical operations and surveillance eventually pressured the gang into releasing the hostage unharmed on 18 June, allowing detectives to shift their focus to tracking down the syndicate.
A statement issued on Wednesday by police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that intelligence officers successfully traced the gang to a local hideout.
“On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire in a desperate attempt to resist arrest and escape,” Mr Babaseyi said. “The operatives responded professionally, leading to a gun duel during which two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised.”
Other members of the gang managed to flee the scene with gunshot wounds.
Following a search of the immediate area, officers recovered:
- A single-barrel gun and an expended cartridge.
- A mobile phone used by the suspects.
- 2.2 million naira (£1,150) in cash, which detectives believe to be the proceeds of ransom payments or criminal activities.
Ogun State Police Commissioner Bode Ojajuni praised the tactical team for their operational effectiveness and assured residents that intelligence-led raids would be sustained to curb rising security threats.
A manhunt is currently underway across the state to track down the fleeing suspects, and authorities have urged local medical facilities to report any patients arriving with unexplained gunshot injuries.
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