Segun Atanda/
Details have emerged of how a sustained intelligence operation, backed by aerial surveillance and coordinated ground action, led to the rescue of seven kidnap victims in Ogun State and the eventual killing of three suspected members of the gang.
The operation, which stretched for more than a week, involved the Ogun State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
The victims’ ordeal began at about 7.40 p.m. on July 29, 2026, when they were abducted along Paraga Street, Ipara, Ogun State.
Following the report of the abduction, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched an intelligence-driven operation aimed at locating the captives, tracking their abductors and securing their release without further harm.
Police spokesman, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said operatives, working closely with the DSS and other security agencies, mounted surveillance and sustained pressure on the kidnappers as intelligence on the gang’s movements was gathered.
The operation entered a critical phase on August 3 when Governor Dapo Abiodun sought aerial support from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The request was approved and a police helicopter was deployed from the Police Air Wing to reinforce the ground teams hunting the kidnappers.
According to the police, the combination of intelligence sharing, surveillance, aerial support and coordinated ground operations eventually enabled the security forces to locate the abductors and rescue all seven victims.
The rescued victims were immediately taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention. One of them, who sustained a gunshot injury during the incident, received treatment.
But the operation did not end with the rescue.
Security agencies immediately turned their attention to tracking down members of the gang who had escaped.
Acting on fresh intelligence at about 2 a.m. on August 6, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, supported by DSS personnel, tracked the suspected kidnappers to a hideout along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.
Police said the security team stormed the hideout, but the suspects opened fire, triggering a gun battle.
Three suspected kidnappers were killed in the exchange, while other members of the gang escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
An AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, four mobile phones and ₦2.3 million cash were recovered from the hideout.
The bodies of the three suspects were subsequently deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy.
The police said the manhunt had been intensified for the fleeing members of the gang, with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit continuing to work with the DSS, Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, described the operation as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and coordinated security action.
He commended Abiodun for seeking the aerial reinforcement and the IGP for promptly approving the deployment of the police helicopter.
Ojajuni also praised the DSS, Nigerian Army and other participating security agencies, as well as officers of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, for their collaboration, courage and sustained pressure on the abductors.
The commissioner said the command would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, rapid response and inter-agency collaboration to disrupt kidnapping and other criminal activities across Ogun State.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
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