The Ogun State Police Command has thwarted an alleged plot to abduct a Chinese expatriate and arrested two suspects linked to a planned N50 million ransom operation.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta, noting that the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday following actionable intelligence received by the police.

According to Babaseyi, intelligence reports indicated a planned kidnapping operation along the Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu Expressway axis, prompting officers of the Obalende Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, to swiftly deploy to the area.

He said the operatives successfully intercepted and arrested the suspects before the alleged plan could be executed.

Babaseyi explained that preliminary findings revealed that the suspects had allegedly conspired to kidnap a Chinese national and demand a ransom of N50 million for his release.

“Preliminary investigation shows that the suspects conspired to abduct a Chinese national and planned to demand a ransom of N50 million. One of the suspects exploited his position as an interpreter and driver within the victim’s company to facilitate the plot,” he said.

The police spokesman further disclosed that investigations uncovered the involvement of another suspect who remains at large.

He stated that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice and determine the full scope of the criminal operation.

According to him, the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism, vigilance and swift action.

Ojajuni noted that the intervention prevented what could have escalated into a major kidnapping incident.

He also highlighted the importance of credible intelligence and cooperation from members of the public in strengthening security and preventing crime.

The police commissioner reassured residents and members of the business community of the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and proactive security measures.

He urged the public to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to law enforcement agencies.

A kidnap victim has escaped from captivity during a fierce gun battle between police operatives and armed bandits in Zamfara State.
The incident was disclosed in a post shared on X on Thursday by security analyst, Zagazola Makama.

According to the post, the victim was abducted from Dansadau community in Maru Local Government Area before being taken to a hideout by the kidnappers.

However, the situation changed when security operatives launched an operation in the Bukuyum and Anka axis, areas that have seen repeated attacks by bandits in recent months.

“During the operation, a heavy exchange of gunfire broke out between the security forces and the armed criminals,” Makama wrote.

The post stated that the victim, alongside a friend, took advantage of the confusion during the gun battle to escape from their captors.

“Both victims successfully escaped from captivity and are currently safe,” the source said.

Security sources added that efforts are ongoing to reunite the rescued victim with his family.

They also noted that authorities have contacted the Divisional Police Officer in Dansadau to help locate the victims’ relatives and ensure their safe return.

Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected impostor accused of posing as a Nigerian Air Force officer to allegedly defraud a Point of Sale, POS, operator in Ibadan.

A post shared on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama said the suspect, identified as Yusuf Abdullahi, was reportedly apprehended at Iwo Road area of Ibadan while allegedly dressed in military camouflage and pretending to be a serving sergeant in the Nigerian Air Force, NAF.

Sources told Makama that the arrest followed a complaint filed at the Iyaganku Police Division by a POS operator, Mrs Ayedun Abisola Adedoyin, who resides in the Oke-Padre area of Ibadan.

According to the complaint, the incident occurred on June 1 after the suspect allegedly visited Ogunpa Market where he bought some items, including a cooking gas regulator and air freshener, from a trader within the market.

“The suspect allegedly introduced himself as a sergeant in the Nigerian Air Force and convinced the complainant to hand over N150,000 in cash on the pretext that he would transfer the money electronically alongside payment for the items he had purchased.

“After collecting the cash and the items, he allegedly disappeared without making the promised transfer,” the source said.

Police sources said the suspect was later tracked and arrested on June 9 at about 1:40 p.m. while still wearing military camouflage.

Investigations further revealed that the suspect had allegedly been arrested previously by the same police division over a similar offence before he was handed over to the Nigerian Air Force Base in Akobo, Ibadan, for prosecution and disciplinary action.

During questioning, police detectives were said to have contacted a serving Nigerian Air Force officer, Flight Lieutenant Amuda, who is attached to the NAF Base in Akobo, Ibadan, but currently serving in Adamawa State.

The officer reportedly confirmed that the suspect was not a serving personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.

Police authorities stated that investigations were ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspect’s alleged activities and to ascertain whether other victims may have been defrauded through the same scheme.

The command advised residents to be vigilant when dealing with persons claiming to be security operatives.