Police neutralise three suspected kidnappers after Ogun students’ rescue

Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of three suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, following a gun battle with security operatives.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement detailing recent operational successes recorded by the police and other security agencies across the country.

According to Iniedu, the victims were rescued unhurt after sustained pressure was mounted on the kidnappers by security operatives. He said personnel from the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Department of State Services, DSS, subsequently tracked the suspects to their hideout.

The operation reportedly resulted in a confrontation between the security forces and the kidnappers. Three of the suspects were killed during the exchange of gunfire, while others managed to escape with injuries.

Iniedu stated that six students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic who had been abducted at Ipara were eventually freed without injuries.

“Anti-Kidnapping and DSS operatives subsequently stormed the kidnappers’ hideout and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel. Three kidnappers were neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” he said.

The police spokesman said operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, three mobile phones and N2.3m during the operation.

He added that the State Criminal Investigation Department had commenced further investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the abduction and identify other suspects who may have been involved.

The development follows an earlier assurance by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, that criminal elements would not be allowed to operate freely in the state.

Abiodun had spoken after the rescue of the five students and two other residents, declaring that his administration remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across Ogun.

The governor, who addressed journalists at his Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta alongside security chiefs and some of the rescued victims, attributed the successful operation to the coordinated efforts of multiple security and local protection agencies.

According to him, the operation involved the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Ogun State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, as well as local vigilantes and hunters.

Abiodun also revealed that the operation was strengthened by the deployment of a police helicopter after the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, approved its use for aerial surveillance.

He said the helicopter played an important role in supporting the ground operation and ultimately contributed to the successful rescue of the abducted students and other victims.