The Ogun State Police Command has uncovered fresh details in an ongoing kidnapping and murder investigation after operatives arrested two suspected members of a notorious gang in Ijebu Ode, linking them to the abduction and killing of two victims in Edo State.
The suspects were apprehended in the Atiba area of Ijebu Ode during an intelligence driven operation coordinated by the Anti Kidnapping Unit of the command following earlier security interceptions by personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service.
Police authorities identified the suspects as 25 year old Gafaru Adamu and 20 year old Muhammed Sanni, both currently under investigation for alleged involvement in a deadly kidnapping operation carried out in the Okada axis of Edo State.
The Ogun State Police Command disclosed that preliminary findings from extensive profiling and intelligence gathering established that the suspects are wanted in connection with the gruesome murder of two kidnapped hostages in Edo State.
Investigators further uncovered that the two suspects are allegedly members of a seven man kidnapping syndicate believed to be operating across state borders and linked to several violent crimes under investigation.
Security operatives recovered one pair of police camouflage uniform and three mobile phones from the suspects during the operation, raising fresh concerns over the activities and operational tactics of criminal gangs disguising as security personnel.
Police authorities confirmed that all recovered exhibits have been documented and taken into custody as forensic and digital investigations continue to unravel the full scope of the syndicate’s operations.
The command stated that the offences being investigated were committed outside Ogun State, stressing that the suspects would be transferred to the Edo State Police Command in line with established inter state policing procedures.
Authorities explained that the transfer would allow Edo Police, which has primary jurisdiction over the case, to continue with detailed investigations and commence necessary legal processes.
Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the professionalism and swift intelligence gathering efforts of operatives whose coordinated actions led to the breakthrough and recovery of critical exhibits.
The police commissioner reiterated that Ogun State would not be allowed to serve as a safe haven, operational base or escape route for criminal elements involved in kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He assured residents that the command remains committed to deploying proactive policing strategies, intelligence based surveillance and stronger inter state security collaboration to tackle criminal activities across the region.
The command also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and sustain cooperation with security agencies by volunteering timely and credible information capable of preventing crimes and aiding investigations.
Police authorities noted that public participation remains vital in the ongoing war against kidnapping, banditry and organised criminal networks threatening public peace and national security.
Residents were advised to contact the Ogun State Police Command through its emergency and response channels, including the toll free Gateway Shield line 0800 000 9111 and emergency numbers 09062837609, 09120141706, 09151027369 and 07084972994 for urgent security information and assistance.