The tactical team of the Ogun State Police Command, along with other security operatives, has neutralised two out of five suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim unhurt during a sting operation in the Onipanu area of the state.
The spokesperson for the command, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the operation followed the abduction of Alhaji Hassan Atoyebi on October 27, 2025, at about 8:14pm.
According to Odutola, the kidnappers had invaded Atoyebi’s compound, switched off the running generator to lure the occupants outside, and ambushed them.
“Unaware of the danger, the victim and another resident came out to inspect what they thought was a mechanical fault but were attacked by the assailants, who subsequently abducted Alhaji Baki Hassan Atoyebi,” the statement read.
The suspects, Odutola disclosed, also carted away valuables during the operation.
“They also went away with a PoS machine, N900,000 in cash, three mobile phones, a power bank, and keys to a Highlander and Corolla vehicle,” Odutola added.
Shortly after the abduction, the police noted that the suspects allegedly contacted the victim’s family, demanding N30m as ransom for his release.
Upon receiving the report, the command stated that the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, ordered a combined tactical operation comprising officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anti-Crime Section, Surveillance Team, Vigilante Group, So-Safe Corps, and local hunters.
“The joint team traced the hoodlums to their hideout along the creek. Two of the kidnappers were neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
“The victim was rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with his family. His mobile phones and vehicle keys were recovered from the scene,” Odutola said.
Ogunlowo, according to Odutola, commended the gallantry and synergy displayed by the combined security teams, assuring residents of the command’s continued commitment to public safety.
“The Commissioner of Police further reiterated that Ogun State will continue to be unsafe for criminal elements to operate in any form,” the statement added.