On Tuesday, operatives of the Ogun State Police Command successfully thwarted a kidnapping operation along the Sagamu Ijebu-Ode-Benin expressway, resulting in the neutralization of two kidnappers.

Engaging the criminals in a gun battle during a rescue operation, the police managed to liberate three Indian nationals – Tejaram Chauhan, Kaduwal Pradhan, and Medani Kathiwada – who were abducted on May 3rd.

SP Omolola Odutola, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the operation, stating that the rescue, carried out in collaboration with local vigilantes around 4:30 pm, led to the recovery of N7.9 million and 1500 Indian Rupees, believed to be part of the ransom collected from previous victims.

According to Odutola, the police received a distress call from the Manager of Breeze Company Nigeria Limited on May 4th, reporting an attack by kidnappers on two Hilux buses transporting sixteen individuals at Kajola junction along Sagamu-Siun-Abeokuta expressway.

In response, the anti-kidnapping section of the command, alongside other law enforcement agencies, launched a thorough combing of the area. A fierce gun battle ensued in the forest along the Benin-Sagamu Papalanto route, resulting in the neutralization of two kidnappers and the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and other incriminating items.

The arrested suspects have been deposited at the public mortuary, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.

This operation comes in the wake of a previous abduction incident on May 3rd, where seven travelers were kidnapped and one killed on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway. The police have intensified efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, with the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, directing tactical units to pursue the criminals relentlessly.