Security forces in Ogun State recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping following the abduction of three individuals on 16 July 2025 in the Ajebo area under the Owode-Egba Division. The suspects had initially demanded a ransom of ₦50 million, a figure that was later negotiated to a lower amount.
At around 4:00 a.m. on 20 July 2025, tactical units of the anti-kidnapping squad tracked the culprits to their hideout along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and engaged in a gunfight with the kidnappers. Two suspects were killed, and the three captives were rescued unharmed.
Recovered from the scene were:
an AK-47 rifle with 139 rounds of live ammunition a magazine, a cutlass, a chain and padlock believed to have been used on the victims
₦1,200,035 suspected to be part of the ransom proceeds
While reports of a ₦30 million ransom have circulated, official public statements refer to an initial demand of ₦50 million and a later amount around ₦6 million.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives, emphasising the shift to intelligence-driven, technology-enabled operations as critical in dismantling kidnapping gangs.
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s office also affirmed commitment to statewide efforts to render the state inhospitable for kidnapping syndicates. Local residents continue to be urged to provide timely intelligence to assist the security agencies.
