The Ondo State Police Command has neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a gun duel with operatives along the Akure-Owo Expressway, recovering a firearm, live cartridges and other items from the suspects.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday at Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the suspects were part of a seven-man armed gang that allegedly invaded Olaiya Block Industry near Ilu-Abo High School at about 3:30 a.m.
Jimoh said the gang reportedly stormed the premises and demanded to see the owner of the block industry before police operatives responded to a distress call from the area.
He stated that a patrol team from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo, swiftly mobilised to the scene, where the armed men engaged the officers in a gun battle.
“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, the police patrol team mobilised to the scene, where the suspects engaged operatives in a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the encounter, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while the remaining members of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” the police spokesman said.
The command disclosed that one locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, several face masks and two ATM cards suspected to belong to members of the syndicate or their victims were recovered from the scene.
Jimoh added that the bodies of the deceased suspects had been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, while the case had been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
“The Command has commenced efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang, who are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter,” he said.
The police urged healthcare providers and residents to report anyone presenting suspicious gunshot injuries or exhibiting unusual movements to the nearest police station.
The spokesperson noted that the operation demonstrated the command’s determination to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to deploying intelligence-led policing, strengthening operational responses, and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within Ondo State,” Jimoh stated.
He also appreciated residents for their continued cooperation and called for timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.