The Ogun State Police Command says it has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing operations against criminal activities across the state, rescuing seven kidnapped victims, neutralising three suspected kidnappers and arresting 38 suspects.
The development was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, in a statement issued on Monday, August 10, 2026.
According to the statement, those arrested included 23 foreign nationals allegedly linked to a suspected Ponzi scheme and visa scam, 12 suspected cultists, an alleged armed robber and a suspected fraudster who reportedly operated under the guise of a clergyman.
The Police also recovered firearms, 75 rounds of live ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, cash and other exhibits during the various operations.
SEVEN KIDNAP VICTIMS RESCUED
The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working with the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army and other security agencies, rescued seven victims abducted on July 29 along Paraga Street, Ipara, Ogun State.
Following the incident, security operatives launched intelligence-led operations involving surveillance and coordinated ground activities to locate the victims and track their abductors.
The operation received additional aerial support on August 3 after Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON, appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, for assistance.
A Police helicopter was subsequently deployed from the Police Air Wing to support the ground operation.
The combined efforts eventually led to the location and rescue of the seven victims, who were taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention. One of them, who sustained a gunshot injury, was treated.
Security operatives later intensified efforts to apprehend other members of the gang.
At about 2:00 a.m. on August 6, anti-kidnapping operatives, supported by DSS personnel, raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway.
The suspects reportedly engaged the operatives in a gun battle, during which three suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
One AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, four mobile phones and ₦2.3 million cash were recovered from the hideout.
The bodies of the deceased suspects were deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy.
SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER ARRESTED
In another operation, Police operatives attached to the Itele Division arrested a suspected armed robber following an attempted attack on a commercial motorcyclist.
The incident occurred at about 12:48 a.m. on August 3, after the motorcyclist reported that two passengers he picked up at Three Crown Bus Stop allegedly attempted to rob him at gunpoint around Orji Block Area, Itele.
One of the suspects, identified as Babatunde Olasunkanmi, was arrested after allegedly pointing a locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel pistol at the victim.
His accomplice reportedly escaped with the victim’s red Bajaj motorcycle.
Recovered from the arrested suspect were the locally fabricated pistol, criminal charms, a Tecno Android phone and a UBA ATM card.
Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect.
23 FOREIGN NATIONALS ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED PONZI, VISA SCAM
Operatives of the Atan-Ota Division also arrested 23 foreign nationals following intelligence about alleged fraudulent activities at a gated residential facility off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota.
The suspects were arrested on August 4 in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme, visa scam and other immigration-related offences.
A Malian international passport bearing the name Diakite Alfousseini was recovered during the operation.
Following preliminary investigation, 21 suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on August 5 for further investigation and appropriate action.
Two others were retained by the Police over allegations of Obtaining by False Pretence and related offences.
SUSPECTED FAKE CLERGYMAN ARRESTED
After four months of intelligence gathering and discreet investigation, detectives of the Obantoko Division arrested Kehinde Makinde, popularly known as “Pastor Kenny,” in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Police alleged that the suspect had been defrauding unsuspecting victims in Ogun, Oyo and Osun States under the guise of providing spiritual deliverance.
Preliminary investigation further indicated that he allegedly collected about ₦2.5 million from 18 fellowship members in Saje, Adatan, after claiming he would organise a government-sponsored pilgrimage to Jerusalem and provide each participant with ₦2 million.
He remains in Police custody as efforts continue to identify other victims and apprehend possible accomplices.
SUBMACHINE GUN, 75 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION RECOVERED
The Sakura Division recovered one English submachine gun and 75 rounds of live ammunition after a firearm was discovered concealed inside a damaged wardrobe at a rented apartment.
The discovery was made on August 5 while the apartment, previously occupied by a deceased landlord, was being cleared.
The Police secured the scene and recovered the firearm and ammunition, which are to undergo ballistic examination by the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
12 SUSPECTED CULTISTS ARRESTED
Twelve suspected cultists were also arrested by operatives of the Idi Oke Division following intelligence about alleged harassment and extortion at Harodous Hotel, Lattykay, Igbesa.
The operation, carried out on August 3, led to the arrest of 12 suspects, while others reportedly fled.
Police recovered assorted charms, battle axes, knives, cult paraphernalia, eight motorcycles, a black Lexus vehicle and an unregistered red Toyota Camry.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
STOLEN HILUX, TRICYCLE RECOVERED
The Owode-Egba Division recovered a white Toyota Hilux found abandoned along Alapako-Ogunmakin Road on August 4.
The owner later confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen from his residence four days earlier.
In a separate operation, detectives arrested 31-year-old Samuel Adetunji for allegedly stealing a commercial tricycle entrusted to him by its owner.
The tricycle was recovered at Rounder, Abeokuta, while the suspect is expected to face prosecution after investigation.
Similarly, operatives of the Sagamu Division recovered an abandoned red Bajaj motorcycle near a mechanic workshop at Trailer Park, Kara, Sabo Sagamu.
The Police said investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding its abandonment and locate the rightful owner.
POLICE COMMISSIONER COMMENDS SECURITY AGENCIES
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his continued support towards strengthening security operations in Ogun State.
He particularly acknowledged the Governor’s intervention that facilitated the deployment of the Police helicopter, which complemented the ground operation and contributed to the successful rescue of the seven kidnap victims.
The Commissioner also praised officers and personnel of the Command, particularly the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical and investigative teams, for their professionalism, courage and prompt response.
He equally commended the DSS, Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their cooperation, intelligence sharing and operational support.
CP Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, strategic patrols, rapid response and sustained collaboration with sister security agencies to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide the Police with timely and credible information.
The Command said it remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring a safe environment for residents across the state.
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