By ABIODUN LAWAL

The Police Command in Ogun has neutralised a suspected kidnapping kingpin during an intelligence-led operation at a hideout in the Orile Ilugun forest area along the Abeokuta-Ibadan Expressway.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.

Babaseyi said the operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, N2 million cash and two mobile phones.

He explained that the operation followed the successful rescue of a kidnapping victim abducted on Thursday at Nufats fuel station on the Abeokuta-Ibadan expressway in Odeda local government area.

According to him, the victim regained freedom unharmed on Monday at 8:30 p.m.

“Following the victim’s release, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad intensified intelligence-driven efforts to apprehend members of the gang responsible for the abduction.

“Consequently, on Tuesday at about 6a.m., operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout within the Orile Ilugun forest axis.

“On sighting the police operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a gun duel.

“The operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, leading to the neutralisation of the gang’s kingpin, while other members of the syndicate escaped into the forest with gunshot injuries,” he said.

Babaseyi stated that the corpse of the suspect had been deposited at a morgue for autopsy, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.

The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

Babaseyi urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. (NAN)

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