The Ondo State Police Command has said its operatives neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle along the Akure-Owo Expressway, recovering a locally made pistol, live cartridges and other items believed to be linked to the criminal gang.
The command said the operation was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday at about 3:30 a.m. in Ilu-Abo following a distress call reporting the presence of armed men at a block industry located beside Ilu-Abo High School.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, about seven masked gunmen reportedly stormed the premises of the block industry and demanded to see its owner before police operatives attached to the Federal Highway Patrol Unit responded to the alert.
He said the patrol team engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel upon arriving at the scene, leading to the death of two of the suspected kidnappers, while others escaped into a nearby bush with suspected gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene included a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, several face masks and two ATM cards believed to belong to members of the gang or their victims.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the bodies of the deceased suspects had been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital in Akure, while the case had been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
He added that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and urged healthcare providers and members of the public to report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot injuries or displaying suspicious movements to the nearest police station.
Jimoh said the latest operation reflects the command’s determination to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state through intelligence-driven policing and enhanced operational strategies.
He also appreciated residents for their continued support and appealed for timely and credible information that would assist security agencies in the fight against criminal activities in Ondo State.