MICHAEL AKINOLA
Police operatives from the Ogun State Command have killed two kidnappers, who were among the hoodlums that abducted four travellers along Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway on Sunday night and rescued the victims during gun battle inside the bush.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the Police as well recovered their operational weapons during the operation that lasted several hours by the gallant officers.
This was disclosed by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alamutu, who equally stated that the four abducted travellers, one Nigerian and three Indian nationals, had regained their freedom.
The Commissioner stated this during the press briefing at the State Command headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta and further revealed that the Police recovered 109 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five AK47 rifles, eight AK magazines, and two mobile phones from the kidnappers.
The Police boss, Alamutu, recalled how on June 30, 2024, the Divisional Police Officer in Ikenne received a distress call reporting the kidnapping incident at around 7:10 pm near Delabo junction on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway.
The CP explained that some unidentified armed individuals, believed to be kidnappers, accosted a grey Toyota RAV4 SUV with registration number AGL 16 JE.
He stated: “The armed men, who emerged from an unregistered Venza car, fired four shots at the driver’s side tyre 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 Ogun State 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 in a gun battle with the law enforcement team.”
“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.”
Alamutu said that the State Police Command remains dedicated to safeguarding lives and property, which is considered its primary duty.
He explained that a rapid response team has also been deployed to enhance security along the Sagamu-Benin expressway.
The CP urged members of the public to report individuals displaying gunshot wounds under reasonable suspicion as this will help in arresting other fleeing suspects for this dastardly act.