Ogun Police Rescue Abducted Victim In 24 Hours Raid, Arrest 24 Suspects, Recover Firearms

The Ogun State Police Command said it has sustained its intelligence-led security operations across the state, rescuing a kidnapped victim in less than 24 hours, arresting 24 suspects for various offences and recovering firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and other valuables.

The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, highlighting the successes recorded under Operation KOSAYE.

According to the statement, the operations, carried out under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, resulted in the rescue of an abducted victim, the arrest of suspects linked to alleged rape, armed robbery, murder, burglary, cultism and cattle ranch invasion, as well as the recovery of four firearms, 11 live cartridges, two vehicles, a stolen motorcycle and other stolen assets.

One of the major breakthroughs recorded during the operations was the rescue of 29-year-old Sotonwa Oluwameyowa, who was abducted along Ogere Road in Orisunmibare, Iperu-Remo.

The police said the Iperu Division received a distress call at about 8:15 p.m. on July 27 and immediately mobilised operatives alongside personnel of the So-Safe Corps and Amotekun Corps to comb nearby forests.

According to the statement, sustained pressure from the joint security team forced the kidnappers to flee, leading to the victim’s rescue in less than 24 hours.

“The pressure from the joint team forced the abductors to flee, leading to the rescue of the victim less than 24 hours after the abduction was reported,” the statement said.

The victim, who sustained injuries during the incident, was taken to a medical facility and is responding to treatment, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.

The Command also announced the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect, Zacheus Joseph, over the alleged rape and robbery of a woman in Abaren Village via Ofada.

Police said the suspect allegedly forced the victim into a nearby bush at knifepoint before assaulting her and stealing her iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy A13 and HP laptop.

He was arrested the same day while allegedly attempting to sell one of the stolen phones, with investigations continuing to recover the remaining items.

In another operation, detectives attached to Obantoko Division arrested a burglary suspect, Ibrahim Aliyu, following a tip-off that he was vandalising facilities within Goshen Estate in Obantoko.

Officers recovered one industrial air conditioner and two dismantled generator sets allegedly stolen from the estate.

The police also recovered a Toyota Camry reported stolen under Oke Itoku Division after detectives from Ibara Division acted on credible intelligence. The vehicle has since been returned to its rightful owner.

At Ajuwon, operatives recovered a double-barrel gun and 10 live cartridges after responding to a report of violent assault and unlawful possession of firearms. The suspect allegedly fled before officers arrived, while efforts to arrest him are ongoing.

Similarly, officers attached to Ewekoro Division foiled an alleged invasion of a cattle ranch in Itori, arresting two suspects and recovering a white Ford bus believed to have been used during the operation.

The Command also confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect in connection with the alleged murder of another man following a disagreement in the Alimafo area of Atan-Ijebu. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.

In a major crackdown on cult-related activities, police operatives raided a suspected cultists’ hideout in Ibogun Shomi, arresting 17 suspects believed to have gathered for an initiation ceremony.

During the operation, officers recovered a locally fabricated short gun and an axe, while the suspects are to be transferred to the SCID for further investigation.

Detectives also arrested a motorcycle theft suspect in Owode and recovered a stolen Bajaj motorcycle allegedly stolen with a master key, while another operation in Agbado led to the recovery of two locally made pistols and one live cartridge abandoned on a perimeter fence.

Commending officers for the successful operations, Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni praised their professionalism and swift response to intelligence.

“The Command remains committed to sustaining intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols and rapid response,” the commissioner said.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing crime.

“The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and calls on residents to support its efforts through vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities,” the statement added.