Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ogun State Police Command have secured the safe release of an abducted victim, neutralising two suspected kidnappers, and recovered a single-barrel gun.

The operation was contained in a statement issued by the police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the victim was abducted on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Ogbe Village, in the Obafemi-Owode local government area of Ogun State.

Babaseyi stated that on receiving the report, the command immediately activated its anti-kidnapping unit, deployed intelligence and tactical resources to secure the victim’s release and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He noted that through sustained intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance, and relentless operational pressure mounted on the criminal gang, the victim was eventually released unharmed on June 18, 2026.

The PRO disclosed that the command, in ensuring that those responsible did not evade justice, intensified follow-up operations which led the operatives to the hideout of the gang.

According to the statement, the kidnappers on sighting the operatives opened fire in a desperate attempt to resist arrest and escape, but two of them were neutralised while other members of the gang fled the scene with gunshot injuries.

Babaseyi noted that other items recovered included one expended cartridge, a mobile phone, a cash sum of N2.2m and other exhibits linked to the criminal enterprise.

 “The successful operation is a testament to the effectiveness of the intelligence-driven and proactive crime-fighting strategies being vigorously pursued by the Ogun State Police Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, in ensuring the safety and security of residents across the State.

“A search conducted on one of the neutralised suspects led to the recovery of a single-barrel gun, while further examination of the scene yielded one expended cartridge, a mobile phone, and a cash sum of Two Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N2,200,000), reasonably suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities” the statement added.

The image maker added that the command has since intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing gang members, while investigations continue.

He noted that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the gallantry, professionalism, courage, and operational effectiveness of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, stating that the success reinforces the command’s resolve to relentlessly pursue kidnappers and other violent criminals wherever they may seek refuge.

The CP reiterated that Ogun State will remain hostile terrain for criminal elements and assured residents that it will continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, robust tactical operations, and strategic partnerships with communities to protect lives and property. 

Friends of late Kitan Oyesiku have appealed to the Ogun State government, the state police command, relevant security agencies and justice stakeholders to intensify efforts, apprehend her killers and ensure that they are brought to justice.

Late Kitan Oyesiku was well known in media circles, having served with Ogun State Television (OGTV) before her retirement. 

She was murdered in cold blood alongside with her security guard at her home in the Kobape area of Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital. 

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed on Sunday that her corpse was found inside her apartment while that of the security guard was discovered within the security post.

Babaseyi added that her vehicle was also missing and an investigation had commenced.

Following the incident, the State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni on Monday, visited the scene of the incident for an on-the-spot assessment and to personally evaluate the progress of ongoing investigative efforts.

During the visit, Ojajuni inspected the premises and received briefings from detectives handling the case. 

He reiterated the Command’s resolve to leave no stone unturned in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensuring that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.

The Police boss noted that the vehicle, Lexus RX300, earlier reported missing from the residence, was recovered by police operatives during the night hours operation.

The command assured members of the public that intensive investigation is ongoing, with all available resources being deployed to track down the perpetrators. 

However, friend of the retired broadcast journalist, in a statement signed by Oluwaseun Boye on Wednesday, stated that the deceased was a peace-loving and kind-hearted woman who didn’t deserve such painful death.

They insisted that her murder must not be swept under the carpet, saying, “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Bringing the perpetrators to justice will reassure the public that no life is insignificant and that criminal acts of this nature will not go unpunished.”

They also appreciated the Ogun State Police Command for steps taken so far in the investigation and encouraged them to to sustain the momentum until every individual connected with th heinous crime is identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Part of the statement reads, “Following our public appeal yesterday urging anyone with useful information to come forward, we, the Friends of Kitan Oyesiku, once again call on the Ogun State Government, the Ogun State Police Command, and all relevant security and justice stakeholders to intensify efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic killing of our dear friend, Kitan Oyesiku.

“Kitan was a peaceful, kind-hearted, and compassionate woman whose life was cut short in a cruel and senseless manner. She did not deserve such a painful end. Her death has left her family, friends, and everyone who knew her devastated.

“We respectfully appeal to the Ogun State Government and all relevant authorities not to allow Kitan’s murder to be swept under the carpet. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Bringing the perpetrators to justice will reassure the public that no life is insignificant and that criminal acts of this nature will not go unpunished.

“We also renew our appeal to members of the public: if you know something, please say something. Any credible information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be the breakthrough investigators need to ensure justice for Kitan.”

The friends of the deceased, however, expressed hope that truth will prevail and all those responsible for the horrific act will be brought to book.

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade and community vigilantes successfully repelled a bandit attack on Dankado village in Katsina State, forcing the attackers to flee.

According to security analyst and conflict reporter Bakatsine, the bandits encountered stiff resistance from local vigilantes before troops swiftly intervened, preventing further destruction and casualties in the community.

Bakatsine disclosed the development in a post on X on Wednesday, commending the vigilance of the local security volunteers and the rapid response of the soldiers.

However, after retreating from Dankado village, the bandits reportedly moved to Badawa village in Malumfashi Local Government Area, where two residents were killed.

Bakatsine wrote: “UPDATE: The bandits met resistance from vigilantes, while the quick intervention of 17 Brigade troops forced them to flee Dankado village.

“Unfortunately, they later attacked Badawa village in Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State, where two residents were reportedly killed.

“Kudos to the community vigilantes and soldiers of the 17 Brigade for their quick intervention after bandits penetrated Dankado village. 

“Their bravery and rapid response forced the attackers to retreat, undoubtedly saving many lives.”