Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit have killed two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle at their hideout along the Papalanto–Ilaro Road, rescuing an abducted victim and recovering two AK-47 rifles, 25 rounds of live ammunition and N2 million suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The operation, according to the Command, followed actionable intelligence received on the activities of the kidnapping gang and was part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, said the Anti-Kidnapping Unit immediately mobilised after receiving information about the abduction.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit squad swung into action to secure the victim’s release and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Oluborode said.

He explained that operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout along the Papalanto–Ilaro Road, where they engaged the criminals in a gun duel.

According to him, two suspected members of the gang were neutralised during the operation, while other gang members escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

A search of the hideout, he said, led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 25 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, two mobile phones and N2 million, which the police believe was linked to the gang’s criminal activities.

“The corpses of the neutralised kidnappers have been deposited at the morgue for autopsy, while the Command has since intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing gang members,” the statement added.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for what he described as its gallantry, professionalism, courage and operational effectiveness.

Ojajuni said the operation had further demonstrated the Command’s determination to pursue kidnappers and other violent criminals wherever they operate.

He warned that Ogun State would remain a hostile environment for criminal elements, while assuring residents that the police would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, tactical operations and collaboration with communities to protect lives and property.

The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide the police with timely and credible information, particularly about individuals seeking medical treatment for gunshot injuries.

He said such information could assist security agencies in tracking the fleeing members of the gang and further disrupting kidnapping networks operating in the state.