JUST IN: Police Gun Down Four Kidnappers on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Security forces have neutralized four suspected kidnappers along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in a major operation aimed at curbing highway crimes.

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that their officers successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt on Friday night near the Warewa area of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

During the operation, four of the suspected kidnappers were incapacitated in an intense gun battle.

CSP Omolola Odutola, the command’s spokesperson, revealed this information in a statement on Saturday and commended the police team for their prompt response.

The report states that bandits ambushed a white Paragon commercial vehicle, registered as BDG 753 YH and driven by Mr. Morufu Adedeji, while it was on its way to Lagos.

The armed individuals allegedly stopped the vehicle by force, aimed a gun at the driver, and started robbing passengers while holding them at gunpoint.

Odutola mentioned that during the attack, several passengers successfully escaped through the rear door after it was cleverly and bravely opened by the driver.

This action infuriated the kidnappers, leading them to viciously attack the driver until he lost consciousness. Nearby drivers alerted authorities, and their call was quickly picked up by an Anti-Kidnapping Team on patrol.

Upon arriving at the scene, the police officers confronted the escaping criminals in a shootout. Four of the armed individuals were critically injured and succumbed to their wounds, while others managed to flee into the surrounding forest despite being wounded by gunfire.

The remains of the neutralized kidnappers have been taken to the State Hospital Morgue in Ijaiye, Abeokuta for autopsy and further investigation.

At the crime scene, authorities recovered several items: a locally made pistol with two cartridges, two daggers, ₦20,000 in cash, a Tecno Android phone, one solar power bank, and three USB lights believed to have been stolen.

At the same time, Police Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo has reiterated the Command’s dedication to eliminating criminal activities in the area.

To enhance security in the area, the CP has bolstered tactical operatives and directed them to stay positioned at strategic flashpoints in Arepo. Additionally, routine patrols have been intensified to safeguard both residents and commuters.

The directive encouraged the public, particularly healthcare professionals, to report anyone seeking medical attention for gunshot injuries.