The Ogun State Police Command has neutralised two suspected kidnappers believed to be members of the gang responsible for abducting the Prince of Okun Owa, Idris, following a sustained manhunt after the victim regained his freedom.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, two mobile phones, a bag suspected to have been used for collecting ransom, and other exhibits linked to the criminal gang.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Ogun State Command, CSP Olusayo Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, describing it as another major breakthrough in the command’s campaign against kidnapping across the state.
According to the statement, the breakthrough followed intensive intelligence gathering and tactical operations launched after the abduction of the traditional prince.
Prince Idris was kidnapped on June 30, 2026, at about 7:30 p.m. when armed men reportedly invaded his residence in Okun Owa and forcibly took him away.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, directed the immediate deployment of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit alongside other tactical teams to secure the victim’s release and bring those behind the crime to justice.
The police said the coordinated operations and sustained pressure mounted on the kidnappers yielded results, leading to the prince’s safe release on July 3, 2026, without injury.
With the victim rescued, security operatives intensified efforts to track down the suspects.
Acting on credible intelligence, members of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit traced the gang to the Agoro/Imodi axis, where the suspects allegedly engaged the police in a gun battle after sighting the operatives.
The police said officers responded to the attack, resulting in the neutralisation of two members of the gang, while several others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
A search conducted on the deceased suspects led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle fitted with an empty magazine, two mobile phones, a suspected ransom bag and other items believed to be connected with the kidnapping operation.
According to the statement, the bodies of the suspects have been deposited at a government morgue for autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing gang members and recover additional weapons and exhibits.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, Commissioner Ojajuni praised the courage, professionalism and commitment displayed by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams.
He reiterated the command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks operating within Ogun State and assured residents that intelligence-driven policing and proactive security operations would continue across the state.
The police commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing efforts to combat crime and protect lives and property.
