By ABIODUN LAWAL

The Police Command in Ogun says it has neutralised two suspected kidnappers and recovered an AK-47 rifle, following the rescue of the abducted Prince of Okun-Owa.

Owa’s abduction took place in Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abeokuta.

Babaseyi said the prince was abducted from his residence in Okun-Owa at about 7:30 p.m. on June 30, prompting the immediate deployment of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams.

According to him, sustained intelligence-led operations mounted by the police forced the kidnappers to release the victim unharmed on Friday after coming under intense operational pressure.

He said operatives subsequently acted on credible intelligence and stormed the Agoro/Imodi axis, where the suspects opened fire on the police in an attempt to evade arrest.

“The operatives responded decisively, leading to the neutralisation of two kidnappers, while other members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds,” Babaseyi said.

He added that during the operation, police recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, two mobile phones, a suspected ransom bag and other exhibits linked to the criminal operation.

According to the police spokesperson, the bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at a government morgue for autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members and recover additional exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the anti-kidnapping unit and other tactical teams for their professionalism and bravery during the operation.

Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to security agencies.

He assured the public that the command would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing strategies to safeguard lives and property throughout the state. (NAN)

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