Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested two suspected kidnappers allegedly linked to the abduction and murder of two victims in Okada, Edo State.
The suspects, identified as 25-year-old Gafaru Adamu and 20-year-old Muhammed Sanni, were apprehended in the Ijebu-Ode area following intelligence-led investigations conducted by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, CSP Omolola Odutola, the investigation began after personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service intercepted two individuals behaving suspiciously in the Atiba area of Ijebu-Ode and alerted the police.
Preliminary findings reportedly revealed that the suspects were being sought in connection with an ongoing investigation into the kidnapping and subsequent killing of two hostages in Edo State.
The police spokesperson disclosed that intelligence gathered during the operation linked the suspects to a seven-member kidnapping gang believed to have carried out the crime.
“Further intelligence gathered by the Command indicates that the suspects are alleged members of a seven-man kidnapping syndicate linked to the incident under investigation,” the statement said.
During a search conducted on the suspects, police operatives recovered a pair of police camouflage uniform and three mobile phones suspected to contain useful evidence.
“During the course of the investigation, operatives recovered one pair of police camouflage uniform and three mobile phones from the suspects. The exhibits have been properly documented and taken into custody to aid further investigation,” the statement added.
The command stated that because the alleged offences occurred in Edo State, the suspects and all recovered items would be handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The alleged offences under investigation occurred outside Ogun State. Consequently, in line with established inter-state policing procedures and existing collaboration among State Police Commands, the suspects and all recovered exhibits will be transferred to the Edo State Police Command, which has primary jurisdiction over the matter,” the police said.
Reacting to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers involved in the operation, describing the breakthrough as evidence of effective intelligence gathering and collaboration among security agencies.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that Ogun State does not serve as a refuge or transit route for criminal elements. He also urged residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with timely and credible information to enhance security across the state.
The latest arrest comes weeks after Ogun police neutralised two suspected kidnappers and arrested two others during a separate anti-kidnapping operation in the Ijebu axis of the state.
