The Ogun
State Police Command has confirmed that its operatives successfully foiled a kidnap attempt on Friday night around the Warewa axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
During the operation, four of the suspected kidnappers were neutralized in an intense gun duel.
CSP Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the command, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, praising the swift response of the police team.
According to the report, the bandits had ambushed a white Paragon commercial vehicle with registration number BDG 753 YH, driven by one Mr. Morufu Adedeji and heading towards Lagos.
The armed men reportedly forcefully halted the vehicle, pointed a gun at the driver, and began robbing passengers at gunpoint.
Odutola said, “During the attack, some passengers managed to escape through the rear door, which had been smartly and courageously opened by the driver.
“This act enraged the kidnappers, who then brutally assaulted the driver to the point of unconsciousness. Other motorists raised an alarm, which was swiftly intercepted by the Anti-Kidnapping Team on patrol.
“Upon arrival, the police operatives engaged the fleeing criminals in a gun duel. Four of the armed men were fatally injured, while others escaped with gunshot wounds into the surrounding forest.
“The bodies of the neutralised kidnappers have been deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy and further investigation.”
Items recovered at the scene of the crime included one locally made pistol with two cartridges, two daggers, cash sum of ₦20,000, one Tecno Android phone, one solar power bank and three USB lights suspected to have been stolen.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding the area of criminal activities.
In a move to further strengthen the security in that area, the CP has reinforced the tactical operatives and ordered them to remain stationed at strategic flashpoints, in Arepo and heighten routine patrols to ensure the security of residents and commuters.
The command urged members of the public, especially medical practitioners, to report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds.