Police operatives have neutralized five suspected kidnappers terrorising commuters and other road users on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Spokesperson for the Nigeria police Command in Ogun State, CSP Omolola Odutola, said in a statement that other members of the kidnap gang escaped with gunshot wounds, while three hostages were rescued unhurt.
She said at about 1900hrs on January 25, 2025, the Area Commander, Sagamu received a distress call from Commuters travelling on Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway of an ongoing armed robbery near Ilishan, Ogun State.
Odutola revealed that the Commissioner of Police, CP. Lanre Ogunlowo, directed the Area Commander on a covert operation led by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
The Commander mobilized a crack team of officers to the scene and engaged the hoodlums who set up a roadblock using an articulated truck.
The police spokesperson also also said the armed men fired gunshots indiscriminately opening fire on unarmed passengers, causing widespread panic.
One AK-47 rifle, ten rounds of 5.6mm calibre ammunition and ₦5.2 million (suspected to be proceeds of crime) in addition to three mobile phones were recovered from the hoodlums.
Part of the statement reads, “On January 29, 2025, at about 0400hrs, operatives located the kidnappers’ hideout, and upon sighting the police squad, the gang engaged the officers in a fierce gun battle.
“Upon arrival, officers discovered that a group of unidentified gunmen had set up a roadblock using an articulated truck, indiscriminately opening fire on unarmed passengers, causing widespread panic.
“In the ensuing chaos, three commuters – Bolaji Bilesanmi ‘m’, 65yrs Olasunkanmi Idowu ‘m’ 50yrs, and Mohammed Salisu ‘m’ (age unknown) were abducted into the forest from two vehicles (1) Honda Pilot (Registration No. Lagos EKY113GZ) and (2) Honda Accord Car (Registration No. Lagos KJA13QFA)”, according to CSP Odutola.
She further assured that efforts are ongoing to arrest injured members of the syndicate.
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