The Ondo State Police Command has neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle with operatives along the Akure-Owo Expressway, recovering weapons and other items believed to belong to the criminal gang.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the operation took place around 3:30 a.m. at Ilu-Abo following a distress call about the activities of suspected armed men at Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School.
According to Jimoh, preliminary investigations revealed that about seven masked gunmen had invaded the premises and demanded to see the owner of the block industry before police operatives arrived at the scene.
He said officers attached to the Federal Highway Patrol Unit in Ilu-Abo responded swiftly to credible intelligence and engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle.
During the exchange, two of the suspected kidnappers were shot dead, while other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds.
The police recovered a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, several face masks and two ATM cards believed to be linked to the suspects or their victims.
Jimoh said the bodies of the deceased suspects had been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital in Akure, while the case had been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
He added that security operatives had intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and urged healthcare providers and members of the public to promptly report anyone presenting with suspicious gunshot injuries or exhibiting unusual movements to the nearest police station.
The command reiterated its commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-driven policing and strengthened security operations. It also appreciated residents for their continued cooperation and appealed for timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
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