The Ogun State Police Command has killed four suspected kidnappers during a gun battle at Warewa along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
The incident occurred on Thursday night when armed criminals attempted to hijack a commercial vehicle.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday in Abeokuta.
She revealed that the suspects ambushed a white Paragon commercial vehicle, marked BDG 753 YH, driven by Morufu Adedeji, at around 8:30 p.m. in a secluded area of the highway.
According to Odutola, the assailants, armed with firearms and dangerous weapons, forcefully stopped the vehicle, pointed a gun at the driver, and began robbing passengers at gunpoint.
ALSO READ: Court remands 17 Chinese for alleged cyber-terrorism, fraud
“During the attack, some passengers managed to escape through the rear door, which had been smartly and courageously opened by the driver.
“This act enraged the kidnappers, who then brutally assaulted the driver to the point of unconsciousness,” she stated.
In response to a distress call, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command swiftly arrived at the scene and engaged the criminals in a gun duel.
“Four of the armed men were neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot wounds into the bush.
“Items recovered at the scene included one locally made pistol with two cartridges, two daggers, N20,000 cash, one Tecno Android phone, one solar power bank, and three USB lights (suspected to be stolen property),” she added.
Odutola further stated that the bodies of the suspects had been deposited at the State Hospital Morgue in Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy and further investigation.
Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo reiterated the command’s commitment to improving security and eliminating criminal activities in the region.
He has deployed tactical operatives to strategic flashpoints on the Warewa/Arepo axis and ordered routine patrols to safeguard residents and commuters.
The police urged the public, especially medical practitioners, to report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds.
Residents were also advised to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
and then