The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate in Ijebu-Ode, with preliminary investigations linking them to a kidnapping and murder case under investigation in Edo State.
The suspects were apprehended in the Atiba area of Ijebu-Ode following intelligence-driven operations by security personnel and subsequent investigations by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Command disclosed that the arrests followed an earlier announcement made on June 4, 2026, regarding the detention of two male suspects by personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service and the commencement of investigations into their activities.
According to the statement, extensive profiling and intelligence gathering led to the identification of the suspects as Gafaru Adamu, 25, and Muhammed Sanni, 20.
Preliminary findings revealed that both men are wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into a kidnapping and murder incident reported in the Okada area of Edo State.
The police further disclosed that intelligence reports linked the suspects to a seven-member kidnapping syndicate believed to have been involved in the crime currently being investigated by authorities in Edo State.
During the course of the investigation, operatives recovered a pair of police camouflage uniforms and three mobile phones from the suspects. The recovered items have been documented and taken into custody as exhibits to aid ongoing investigations.
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Police authorities noted that the alleged crimes under investigation were committed outside Ogun State and, as such, the suspects would be handed over to the Edo State Police Command, which has primary jurisdiction over the matter.
“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 for further investigation and other necessary legal processes,” the statement said.
Commending the efforts of the operatives involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism, diligence and intelligence-gathering capabilities, which led to the identification of the suspects and the recovery of critical evidence.
Ojajuni reiterated the Command’s commitment to preventing criminals from using Ogun State as a safe haven or transit route for unlawful activities.
“The Command remains resolute in its determination to prevent criminal elements from using Ogun State as a hideout or transit point for unlawful activities,” he stated.
The police commissioner further assured residents that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing strategies, proactive security measures and strengthened collaboration with other state commands to enhance public safety across Ogun State.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information capable of assisting security agencies in combating crime and criminality.
The arrest comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes through coordinated operations and enhanced intelligence sharing across states.
Authorities believe the transfer of the suspects to Edo State will facilitate a comprehensive investigation into the alleged kidnapping and murder case and help uncover other members of the syndicate still at large.