The Ogun State Police Command said it has recovered a submachine gun and 75 rounds of live ammunition concealed inside a damaged wardrobe in an apartment previously occupied by a deceased landlord.

The command’s public relations officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Monday.

“Police personnel immediately secured the location and recovered one English Submachine Gun (SMG) rifle and seventy-five rounds of live ammunition.”

“The recovered exhibits have been secured and will be subjected to ballistic examination by the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, while investigation continues to establish how the firearm and ammunition came to be concealed at the location”

In another development, the command has also arrested 23 foreign nationals over alleged Ponzi/ Visa Scam.

“On the 4th August, 2026, at about 1100hrs, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Atan-Ota Division raided a gated residential building within an estate off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota, where 23 foreign nationals were arrested in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme/visa scam and other immigration-related offences”

According to him, the operation followed intelligence received by the Police concerning suspected fraudulent activities at the location, with police personnel promptly mobilised, secured the premises and arrested the suspects for further investigation.

“One Malian international passport bearing the name Diakite Alfousseini was recovered during the operation”

“Following preliminary investigation, 21 of the suspects were formally handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on 5th August, 2026, for further immigration-related investigation and appropriate action”

“However, two suspects were retained by the Police for prosecution in connection with Obtaining by False Pretence (OBT) and other related offences, subject to the conclusion of investigation”

He submitted that the investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent activities and identify any other persons connected with the scheme.

The command also said that its sustained proactive and intelligence-led policing across the State has recorded the rescue of seven kidnapped victims and the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers.

“The Ogun State Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working assiduously with the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and other security agencies, has recorded a major operational breakthrough with the rescue of seven kidnapped victims and neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers”.

“The victims were abducted on 29th July, 2026, at about 1940hrs, along Paraga Street, Ipara, Ogun State. Immediately the incident was reported, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit swiftly mobilised and commenced intelligence-led operations to locate the victims, identify the perpetrators and secure their safe rescue.”

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in close collaboration with the DSS and other security agencies, sustained painstaking intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated ground operations, maintaining relentless pressure on the abductors.”

“On 3rd August, 2026, the ongoing operation received additional aerial support following a request by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun, CON, to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM. The request was promptly approved, resulting in the deployment of a Police helicopter from the Police Air Wing to complement the ongoing ground operations.

“The combination of intelligence sharing, surveillance, aerial support and coordinated ground operations subsequently enabled the security team to locate and rescue the seven victims from their abductors.”

The rescued victims were immediately taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention. One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and received appropriate treatment.

“Rather than stopping after the successful rescue, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working closely with the DSS and other security agencies, immediately intensified efforts to locate and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang.

“Consequently, at about 0200hrs on 6th August, 2026, anti-kidnapping operatives, supported by DSS personnel and acting on credible intelligence, located and stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.

“The suspects engaged the security operatives in a gun battle, during which three suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while other members of the gang escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.”

Items allegedly recovered from the hideout were one AK-47 rifle, one empty magazine, four mobile phones and ₦2.3 million in cash.

“The bodies of the deceased suspects were deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy.”

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with the DSS, Nigerian Army and other security agencies, has intensified intelligence gathering and coordinated operations aimed at locating and apprehending the fleeing members of the gang.

The command also said it arrested 12 suspected cultists, recovered vehicles and weapons in the Igbesa area of Ado Odo/ Ota local government area of the state.

“On 3rd August, 2026, at about 1700hrs, acting proactively on credible intelligence, operatives of the Idi Oke Division responded to reports of suspected cultists harassing and extorting patrons at Harodous Hotel, Lattykay, Igbesa.

“Police personnel swiftly mobilised, cordoned off the area and arrested twelve suspects, while several others fled.

“Recovered during the operation were assorted charms, battle axes, knives, cult paraphernalia, eight motorcycles, one black Lexus vehicle and one unregistered red Toyota Camry.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while those arrested will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.”

The state Commissioner, Bode Ojajuni, has, however, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, rapid response and sustained inter-agency collaboration to prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities and bring perpetrators to justice.

He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the Police through established channels.

“The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents. Further updates will be communicated as developments warrant”. (Channels)

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