Kidnapped Ogun passengers regain freedom

Ten passengers abducted on Tuesday in Ogun State have regained their freedom, Police disclosed on Sunday.  

Gunmen had abducted 10 passengers, including a recently discharged member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road, and demanded N25 million ransom for their release.

The victims were reportedly travelling in a commercial bus when armed men intercepted the vehicle and took them into a nearby forest.

Two corps members were said to have been among the passengers, with one escaping while the other remained in captivity.

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But the Police denied that corps members were part of the victims.

In a statement on Sunday by the Police Spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command said it secured the safe release of the passengers following what it called “sustained security pressure and intelligence-led efforts” to secure their freedom.

“The victims regained their freedom unharmed at about 8:30 p.m. on 7 November 2026,” Babaseyi said.

He said during a follow-up operation on Sunday, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, where a gun battle ensued.

The Police spokesperson said one suspected kidnapper was neutralised during the gun battle, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.

Some of the items recovered by the police include an AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of ammunition, ₦1,376,800 in cash and a mobile phone.

“The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and urges members of the public to promptly report anyone sighted with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or through established police channels,” the statement added.