By James Ogunnaike
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have neutralised two suspected kidnappers and recovered an AK-47 rifle, mobile phones and other incriminating exhibits, following the successful rescue of the abducted Prince of Okun Owa, Prince Idris.
The police disclosed that the operation was carried out by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit after sustained intelligence-led operations and tactical pressure on the criminal gang responsible for the prince’s abduction.
Prince Idris was kidnapped on June 30, 2026, at about 7:30 p.m. when armed men reportedly invaded his residence at Okun Owa and whisked him away.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, immediately ordered the deployment of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams to ensure the victim’s safe rescue and arrest of the perpetrators.
Babaseyi said the sustained operation forced the kidnappers to release the victim unharmed on July 3, 2026.
“Upon receipt of the report, the State Commissioner of Police immediately directed the activation of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, supported by other tactical teams, to secure the victim’s release and apprehend those responsible,” the statement read.
It added that after the victim regained his freedom, police operatives intensified efforts to track down members of the gang.
According to the police, credible intelligence led operatives to the Agoro/Imodi axis, where the suspected kidnappers engaged them in a gun battle.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives stormed the Agoro/Imodi axis. On sighting the police, the kidnappers engaged the operatives in a gun duel. The operatives responded decisively, leading to the neutralisation of two kidnappers, while other members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
The Command disclosed that a search conducted on the neutralised suspects led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine, two mobile phones, a bag suspected to have been used for ransom collection and other exhibits linked to the kidnapping operation.
It added that the bodies of the deceased suspects had been deposited in a government morgue for autopsy, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and recover additional exhibits.
Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers for their professionalism and courage during the operation.
“The Commissioner of Police commends the courage, professionalism, and operational efficiency of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams involved in the operation. He reaffirms the Command’s unwavering commitment to identifying, tracking, and dismantling criminal networks operating within the state”.
Ojajuni also appealed to residents of the State to remain vigilant and support the police with timely and credible information, assuring them that the Command would continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing and tactical operations to safeguard lives and property across the state.
