Police rescue 10 abducted passengers, kill suspected kidnapper in Ogun

Ten passengers abducted from a commercial bus at Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, in Ogun State have regained their freedom.

The victims, who were kidnapped on Tuesday, were released unharmed on Sunday following sustained pressure by security operatives.

DAILY POST gathered that they are recently discharged corps members travelling from Benin City, Edo State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, when gunmen intercepted their bus at about 7 pm on Tuesday at Orita Fufu, along the Ijebu-Ode-Ibadan Road.

One passenger escaped and alerted relatives, while the other 10 were taken into the forest.

Families of the victims had earlier raised the alarm, saying the kidnappers initially demanded N20 million, which was later increased to N25 million, with a 24-hour deadline.

The police had confirmed the abduction but clarified that none of the victims was a serving corps member.

Confirming their release on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said, “The Ogun State Police Command has secured the safe release of ten passengers abducted from a commercial bus at Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, on 3 November 2026, following sustained security pressure and intelligence-led efforts to secure their freedom.

“In a follow-up operation at about 1:00 a.m. on 8 November, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, where a gun battle ensued. One suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.”

Items recovered from the hideout include an AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of ammunition, N1,376,800 cash and a mobile phone.

He added that efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects.

The Command urged members of the public to report anyone seen with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station.