CITIZENS COMPASS— The Ogun State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, on Monday, said it has rescued seven kidnapped victims, neutralised three suspected kidnappers and arrested 38 suspects during various operations.
Among the suspects were 23 foreign nationals in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme/visa scam, 12 suspected cultists, a suspected armed robber and a suspected fraudster/fake clergyman, as well as the recovery of firearms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles and other exhibits.
Spokesperson for the Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this while reeling out the Command’s achievements in the past few months.
Giving a blow-by-blow account of the operations leading to the achievements, she said:
The Ogun State Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working assiduously with the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army and other security agencies, has recorded a major operational breakthrough with the rescue of seven kidnapped victims and neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers.
The victims were abducted on 29th July, 2026, at about 1940hrs, along Paraga Street, Ipara, Ogun State. Immediately the incident was reported, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit swiftly mobilised and commenced intelligence-led operations to locate the victims, identify the perpetrators and secure their safe rescue.
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in close collaboration with the DSS and other security agencies, sustained painstaking intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated ground operations, maintaining relentless pressure on the abductors.
On 3rd August, 2026, the ongoing operation received additional aerial support following a request by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun, CON, to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM. The request was promptly approved, resulting in the deployment of a Police helicopter from the Police Air Wing to complement the ongoing ground operations.
The combination of intelligence sharing, surveillance, aerial support and coordinated ground operations subsequently enabled the security team to locate and rescue the seven victims from their abductors.
The rescued victims were immediately taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention. One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and received appropriate treatment.
Rather than stopping after the successful rescue, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working closely with the DSS and other security agencies, immediately intensified efforts to locate and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang.
Consequently, at about 0200hrs on 6th August, 2026, anti-kidnapping operatives, supported by DSS personnel and acting on credible intelligence, located and stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.
The suspects engaged the security operatives in a gun battle, during which three suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while other members of the gang escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
Recovered from the hideout were one AK-47 rifle, one empty magazine, four mobile phones and ₦2.3 million in cash.
The bodies of the deceased suspects were deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy.
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with the DSS, Nigerian Army and other security agencies, has intensified intelligence gathering and coordinated operations aimed at locating and apprehending the fleeing members of the gang.
On 3rd August, 2026, at about 0048hrs, the Itele Division received a distress report from a commercial motorcyclist alleging that two passengers he picked up at Three Crown Bus Stop attempted to rob him at gunpoint along Orji Block Area, Itele.
Acting swiftly on the distress call, Police personnel immediately mobilised to the location, leading to the arrest of Babatunde Olasunkanmi ‘M’, who allegedly pointed a locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel pistol at the victim while his accomplice made away with the victim’s red Bajaj motorcycle.
Recovered from the suspect were one locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel pistol, criminal charms, one Tecno Android phone and one UBA ATM card.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice, while the suspect and exhibits will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet investigation.
On 4th August, 2026, at about 1100hrs, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Atan-Ota Division raided a gated residential building within an estate off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota, where 23 foreign nationals were arrested in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme/visa scam and other immigration-related offences.
The operation followed intelligence received by the Police concerning suspected fraudulent activities at the location. Police personnel promptly mobilised, secured the premises and arrested the suspects for further investigation.
One Malian international passport bearing the name Diakite Alfousseini was recovered during the operation.
Following preliminary investigation, 21 of the suspects were formally handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on 5th August, 2026, for further immigration-related investigation and appropriate action.
However, two suspects were retained by the Police for prosecution in connection with Obtaining by False Pretence (OBT) and other related offences, subject to the conclusion of investigation.
Investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged fraudulent activities and identify any other persons connected with the scheme.
Following four months of sustained intelligence gathering and discreet investigation, Detectives attached to the Obantoko Division, on 3rd August, 2026, at about 1645hrs, arrested Kehinde Makinde ‘M’, popularly known as “Pastor Kenny,” in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The arrest followed investigations into allegations that the suspect fraudulently manipulated unsuspecting victims under the guise of spiritual deliverance across Ogun, Oyo and Osun States.
Preliminary investigation further revealed that the suspect allegedly obtained approximately ₦2.5 million from eighteen fellowship members in Saje, Adatan, under the false pretence of organising a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem and promising each member ₦2 million.
The suspect remains in Police custody while efforts continue to identify additional victims and apprehend his accomplices.
On 5th August, 2026, at about 1300hrs, the Sakura Division promptly responded to a report that a firearm concealed inside a damaged wardrobe had been discovered while clearing a rented apartment previously occupied by a deceased landlord.
Police personnel immediately secured the location and recovered one English Submachine Gun (SMG) rifle and seventy-five (75) rounds of live ammunition.
The recovered exhibits have been secured and will be subjected to ballistic examination by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, while investigation continues to establish how the firearm and ammunition came to be concealed at the location.
On 3rd August, 2026, at about 1700hrs, acting proactively on credible intelligence, operatives of the Idi Oke Division responded to reports of suspected cultists harassing and extorting patrons at Harodous Hotel, Lattykay, Igbesa.
Police personnel swiftly mobilised, cordoned off the area and arrested twelve (12) suspects, while several others fled.
Recovered during the operation were assorted charms, battle axes, knives, cult paraphernalia, eight motorcycles, one black Lexus vehicle and one unregistered red Toyota Camry.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while those arrested will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
On 4th August, 2026, at about 1735hrs, operatives attached to Owode-Egba Division acted promptly on information and recovered an abandoned white Toyota Hilux along Alapako–Ogunmakin Road.
The owner subsequently confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen from his residence four days earlier.
In a separate operation on the same day, Detectives arrested Samuel Adetunji ‘M’, aged 31 years, for allegedly stealing a commercial tricycle entrusted to him by its owner. The stolen tricycle was subsequently recovered at Rounder, Abeokuta.
The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.
On 5th August, 2026, acting on vigilance and operational alertness, operatives attached to Sagamu Division recovered an abandoned red Bajaj motorcycle near a mechanic workshop at Trailer Park, Kara, Sabo Sagamu.
The motorcycle has been secured, while investigation is ongoing to identify and locate the rightful owner and establish the circumstances surrounding its abandonment.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, commends the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his proactive intervention, unwavering support and continued commitment to strengthening the security architecture of the State. He particularly appreciated the Governor’s prompt engagement with the Inspector-General of Police, which facilitated the deployment of the Police helicopter that significantly enhanced the coordinated operation leading to the successful rescue of the seven victims.
The Commissioner further commended officers and men of the Command, particularly the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical and investigative teams, for their professionalism, courage, vigilance and prompt response to the security challenge.
He also commended the DSS, Nigerian Army and other sister security agencies for their effective collaboration, intelligence sharing and operational support, noting that the successful rescue of the victims and subsequent disruption of the suspected kidnappers’ hideout demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated security action.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, rapid response and sustained inter-agency collaboration to prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities and bring perpetrators to justice.
He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the Police through established channels.
The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents. Further updates will be communicated as developments warrant.
