Charms failed as the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Ogun State Police Command eliminated two kidnapping suspects in a gun battle near Delabo Junction on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway.
Following the operation, it was suspected that the kidnappers included Nigerian, Indian, and Arab nationals, as currencies from these three regions were found inserted into the gun dropped by the kidnappers, who fled with various gunshot injuries when overpowered by the police.
In a press conference last Wednesday at the Ogun State Police Headquarters, Eleweran, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, explained that on June 30, the Divisional Police Officer in Ikenne received a distress call reporting an incident involving unidentified armed individuals, believed to be kidnappers.
They accosted a Toyota Rav 4 jeep with registration number AGL 16 JE, colored grey, at around 7:10 pm.
The armed men, emerging from an unregistered Venza car, fired four shots at the driver’s side tire and another at the rear side of the driver, forcing the vehicle to a stop.
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They then forcefully abducted the occupants of the vehicle and fled towards Ijebu-Ode.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad pursued the fleeing suspects.
Through a covert operation, the suspects were located in a bush where they were hiding. Upon noticing the police officers’ flashlights, the kidnappers engaged in a gun battle with the police.
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, identified as one Nigerian and three Indian nationals, were safely rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.
Recovered items from the criminals included 109 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 5 AK-47 rifles, and eight AK-47 magazines with various currencies inserted into them.
When Saving Point Media inquired about the significance of the currency, the officer in charge of the weapons explained that the kidnappers believed the charm would appease the spirit of wealth, enabling them to make money.
The currencies, including Nigerian, Indian, and Arab money, indicated that the kidnappers were not only Nigerian but also from other countries.
Alamutu concluded that a rapid response team has been deployed to enhance security along the Sagamu-Benin route.
The police encourage the public to report individuals displaying gunshot wounds under reasonable suspicion.
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