RismadarVoice Reporters
November 8, 2026
The Ogun State Police Command has announced the rescue of 10 passengers abducted along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road, following a security operation that also resulted in the death of a suspected kidnapper.
The victims, who were abducted from a commercial bus at Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, on November 3, reportedly regained their freedom unharmed at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 7.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to Babaseyi, the rescue followed sustained security operations and intelligence-gathering efforts aimed at securing the passengers’ release.
He explained that operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit subsequently raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road at approximately 1 a.m. on November 8.
The operation reportedly resulted in an exchange of gunfire between police officers and the suspected kidnappers.
The police said one suspected gang member was killed during the confrontation, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
Officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of ammunition, ₦1,376,800 in cash and a mobile phone from the location.
The command said investigations were continuing to identify and apprehend other individuals believed to be connected with the abduction.
Before the rescue, relatives of some victims had raised concerns over their safety, alleging that the kidnappers demanded ₦25 million for their release.
One of the abducted passengers was identified by relatives as a recently discharged National Youth Service Corps member travelling from Edo State to Ibadan.
However, the police had earlier disputed reports suggesting that serving corps members were among those abducted.
The command did not disclose whether any ransom was paid before the passengers regained their freedom.
Babaseyi urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security operatives in locating the fleeing suspects.
He particularly encouraged members of the public to report individuals with suspicious gunshot wounds through appropriate police channels.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State.
It also emphasised the importance of community cooperation and intelligence sharing in preventing criminal activities and protecting residents.
Meanwhile, efforts are continuing to track down the remaining suspects and establish the full circumstances surrounding the abduction.
