Rescue Three Kidnapped Victims, Reaffirm Commitment to Safety
In a daring police operation on January 29, 2025, five suspected kidnappers were fatally injured during a shootout with officers from the Ogun State Police Command along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The operation followed a distress call on January 25 from commuters traveling on the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway, reporting an armed robbery and abduction near Ilishan, Ogun State.
According to police reports, a group of unidentified gunmen set up a roadblock using an articulated truck and began indiscriminately shooting at passing vehicles. Amid the chaos, three commuters—Bolaji Bilesanmi, 65, Olasunkanmi Idowu, 50, and Mohammed Salisu—were abducted from two separate vehicles, a Honda Pilot (Registration No. Lagos EKY113GZ) and a Honda Accord (Registration No. Lagos KJA13QFA), and taken into the nearby forest.
Following the attack, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Dr. Lanre Ogunlowo, ordered an immediate covert operation led by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
On the morning of January 29, officers located the kidnappers’ hideout, and upon being spotted, the gang opened fire on the police squad. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of five kidnappers. Several other members of the gang fled the scene, some reportedly injured.
During a search of the hideout, police recovered an AK-47 rifle, ten rounds of 5.6mm calibre ammunition, 5.2 million naira in cash (suspected to be proceeds from the crime), and three mobile phones.
In a positive turn, the three kidnapped victims were freed unharmed and safely returned to their families.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ogunlowo, condemned the actions of the criminals and reassured the public of the police command’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in Ogun State.
He also issued a strong warning to those involved in criminal activities, particularly targeting young individuals seeking financial gain through violent crimes.
