Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Warewa axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

 

The incident, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday on the Warewa axis of the Long Bridge, involved a white Paragon commercial vehicle with registration number BDG 753 YH.

 

It was learned that the vehicle, driven by one Morufu Adedeji, was heading towards Lagos when it was ambushed by unknown armed men at a lonely section of the road.

 

The assailants, wielding firearms and dangerous weapons, forcefully halted the vehicle, pointed a gun at the driver, and began robbing passengers at gunpoint.

 

The kidnappers, upon noticing that the driver had quietly opened the rear door to enable some of the passengers to escape, brutally assaulted him to the point of unconsciousness.

 

Confirming the incident to DAILY POST on Saturday, the police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said other motorists passing by raised an alarm, which was swiftly intercepted by the Anti-Kidnapping Team on patrol.

 

Odutola noted that upon arrival, the police operatives engaged the fleeing criminals in a gun duel, leading to four of the armed men being injured, while others escaped with gunshot wounds into the surrounding forest.

 

She said, “In a swift and well-coordinated response to a distress call, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command foiled a kidnap attempt along the Warewa axis of the Long Bridge on February 20, 2025, at about 20:30 hours.

 

“A white Paragon commercial vehicle with registration number BDG 753 YH, driven by Mr. Morufu Adedeji and heading towards Lagos, was ambushed by unknown armed men at a lonely section of the road.

 

“Upon arrival, the police operatives engaged the fleeing criminals in a gun duel. Four of the armed men were fatally injured, while others escaped with gunshot wounds into the surrounding forest,” she added.

 

Items recovered from the scene included one locally made pistol with two cartridges, two daggers, a cash sum of N20,000, one Tecno Android phone, one solar power bank, and three USB lights.

 

Odutola stated that the corpses of the neutralized kidnappers had been deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy and further investigation.

 

In order to rid the area of criminal activities and further strengthen security, Lanre Ogunlowo, the Commissioner of Police, stated that he has increased routine patrols to protect commuters and residents and re-employed tactical operatives to stay stationed at strategic flashpoints.

 

Ogunlowo, however, urged members of the public, especially medical practitioners, to report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds and advised all to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.