Ogun police kidnapper arrest: An 18-year-old suspect is detained, another suspect killed and two AK-47 rifles recovered in a joint operation
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old suspected kidnapper, Abubakar Yinusa, and reported the death of another suspected gang member during a joint security operation in Ogun State on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, also led to the recovery of two additional AK-47 rifles, bringing the total number of recovered rifles in the ongoing anti-kidnapping campaign to three.
The police spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, announced the development in a statement issued in Abeokuta, describing the operation as another breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.
According to Babaseyi, the latest operation involved coordinated efforts by security personnel working alongside the DSS, led by the State Director of Security, Adelakun Adeyinka.
He said the joint security team had intensified its activities following recent kidnapping incidents and intelligence gathered from ongoing investigations.
“In a sustained operational collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), led by the State Director of Security, Mr Adelakun Adeyinka, alongside other security agencies, we have recorded another major breakthrough in the ongoing anti-kidnapping operations,” the police spokesperson said.
The statement disclosed that the operation resulted in the arrest of Yinusa, the death of another suspected kidnapper and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles.
Babaseyi added that the latest development brought the cumulative number of suspected kidnappers neutralised during the operation to two, while three AK-47 rifles had been recovered.
The latest arrests and recoveries follow the abduction of 10 passengers at Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, on 3 November 2026.
The victims were reportedly travelling when they were intercepted by suspected kidnappers and taken away, triggering a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the police, DSS and other security outfits.
After several days of security operations and sustained pressure on the suspected criminal network, all 10 passengers regained their freedom unharmed on 7 November.
The successful release of the victims marked an important development in the investigation, although security agencies continued pursuing individuals suspected of involvement in the abduction.
According to the police, the latest operation forms part of broader efforts to apprehend remaining members of the suspected kidnapping network and prevent further attacks on residents and travellers.
The command attributed the progress recorded so far to intelligence sharing, cooperation between security agencies and coordinated operational activities.
The police also reiterated that individuals connected to the kidnapping incident would be pursued and brought before the law.
In a public appeal, the command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report anyone suspected of having suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
The appeal comes amid efforts to locate other suspected gang members who may have escaped during previous security encounters.
While the arrest of the 18-year-old suspect and recovery of additional firearms represent developments in the investigation, the police have not disclosed the full identities of other suspects allegedly involved in the kidnapping operation.
The command said cooperation among security agencies would continue until the criminal network was dismantled and those responsible for the abduction were brought to justice.
For residents and regular commuters along the affected routes, the latest operation highlights the continuing security challenges associated with kidnapping and the importance of sustained surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement and identify other individuals connected to the criminal operation.
