Ogun Police rescue kidnap victim in 24 hours, arrest 24 suspects

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Ogun State Police Command has intensified its ongoing crackdown on crime, rescuing an abducted victim in less than 24 hours, arresting 24 suspects and recovering firearms, ammunition, vehicles and other stolen property in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.

The operations, carried out under Operation KOSAYE, also led to the recovery of four firearms, 11 live cartridges, two vehicles, a stolen motorcycle and several other stolen assets, according to a statement issued by the Command.

Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said the successes underscore the command’s commitment to proactive policing, rapid response to distress calls and intelligence-driven operations aimed at tackling violent crimes and protecting residents.

Among the major breakthroughs was the rescue of a 29-year-old abducted victim, Sotonwa Oluwameyowa, who was kidnapped along Ogere Road in Orisunmibare, Iperu-Remo, on July 27.

The police said operatives of the Iperu Division, working in collaboration with the So-Safe Corps and the Amotekun Corps, immediately launched a coordinated search of nearby forests after receiving a distress call.

The sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim and flee, leading to his rescue in less than 24 hours. The victim, who sustained injuries during the ordeal, was taken to hospital and is responding to treatment, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

In another operation, officers attached to the Obantoko Division arrested a suspected burglar, Ibrahim Aliyu, following a tip-off that he had been caught vandalising facilities within Goshen Estate in Obantoko. Recovered from the suspect were an industrial air-conditioning unit and two dismantled generator sets believed to have been stolen from the estate.

The command also arrested a 27-year-old suspect, Zacheus Joseph, over the alleged rape and robbery of a woman at Abaren Village via Ofada.

Police said the suspect allegedly forced the victim into a nearby bush at knifepoint before stealing her iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy A13 and HP laptop. He was arrested while allegedly attempting to sell one of the stolen phones, while investigations continue to recover the remaining items.

Detectives attached to the Ibara Division also recovered a Toyota Camry that had earlier been reported stolen under the Oke Itoku Division, while the rightful owner has since been contacted.

At Ajuwon, police recovered a double-barrel gun and 10 live cartridges after investigating a reported case of assault and unlawful possession of firearms. The suspect allegedly fled after retrieving the firearm from his residence, while efforts are underway to track him down.

In another operation, detectives from the Ewekoro Division foiled an attempted invasion of a cattle ranch at Powerline, Itori, arresting two suspects, identified as Abubakar Bello and Jacob Bamidele, while other members of the group escaped. A vehicle used in the operation was also recovered.

The Ogun State Police Command said investigations are ongoing in all the cases, while efforts have been intensified to arrest fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led policing and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety.