The Ogun State police command announced that it has rescued three Indians and a Nigerian who were kidnapped on Sunday by suspected gunmen at Delabo junction on the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway.
The State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu made the disclosure while addressing newsmen on Wednesday, said two of the kidnappers who abducted four travellers, along Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway on Sunday night were killed during a gun battle with the police.
Alamutu narrated how on June 30, 2024, the Divisional Police Officer in Ikenne received a distress call reporting the kidnapping incident at around 7:10 pm near Delabo junction on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway.
109 round of 7.62mm ammunition, five Ak47 rifles, eight AK magazines and two cell phones were recovered from the kidnappers.
The Police Commissioner explained that some unidentified armed individuals believed to be kidnappers, accosted a grey colour-Toyota Rav 4 jeep with registration number AGL 16 JE.
According to him, “the armed men, who emerged from an unregistered Venza car, fired four shots at the driver’s side tyre and another at the rear side of the driver, forcing the vehicle to a stop.
“Subsequently, they forcefully abducted the occupants of the vehicle, and fled towards Ijebu-Ode.
“Upon receiving the distress call, the anti-kidnapping squad of the Ogun State Command was dispatched with explicit instructions to pursue the fleeing suspects.
“Through a covert operation, the suspects were located in a bush where they were hiding. Upon noticing the police officers’ flashlight, they engaged in a gun battle with the law enforcement team.
“The Anti-kidnapping squad’s superior firepower led to the elimination of two suspects, while the remaining criminals escaped with injuries, leaving behind their weapons.
“The victims later identified as one Nigerian and three Indian nationals, were safely rescued unharmed and reunited with their families”.
Alamutu said that state police command remains dedicated to safeguarding lives and property, as this it considered its primary duty.
He explained that a rapid response team has also been deployed to enhance security along the Sagamu-Benin expressway.
