Police neutralize two suspected kidnappers during gun battle in Ondo, recover firearm and live cartridges

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle in Ilu-Abo along the Akure-Owo Expressway.

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, 8th July, 2026 said a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, face masks and two ATM cards, were recovered during the operation. 

According to the PPRO, in the early hours of Wednesday, operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo, responded to a distress call over the activities of armed men at Olaiya Block Industry. 

Jimoh said preliminary reports revealed that seven masked gunmen invaded the premises of the block industry and demanded to see the owner. 

“The Ondo State Police Command under the stewardship of Cp Felix Ohagwu psc, mnips, mspsp has recorded another significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts against kidnapping and other violent crimes, following the neutralization of two suspected kidnappers during a gun duel with police operatives in Ilu Abo along the Akure–Owo Expressway,” the statement read 

“The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, 8th July 2026, at about 3:30 a.m., when a patrol team from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo responded to a distress call regarding the activities of armed men at Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School along the Akure–Owo Expressway.

“Preliminary reports reveal that about seven masked armed men invaded the premises of the block industry and demanded to see the owner. 

“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, the police patrol team mobilized to the scene, where the suspects engaged operatives in a fierce exchange of gunfire. 

“During the encounter, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralized, while the remaining members of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. 

“Meanwhile, one locally fabricated pistol, Live Catridges, four mobile phones, several face masks, as well as two ATM Cards believed to belong to the criminal syndicate or their victims were recovered.

“The bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, for preservation and other necessary procedures, while the case has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet and comprehensive investigation.

“The Command has commenced efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang, who are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.

“Residents, particularly healthcare providers and members of the public, are urged to promptly report any individual presenting suspicious gunshot injuries or exhibiting suspicious movements to the nearest police station.

“This operation further underscores the unwavering resolve of the Ondo State Police Command to rid the State of kidnapping and other violent crimes. 

“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to deploying intelligence-led policing, strengthening operational responses, and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within Ondo State.

“The Command equally appreciates members of the public for their continued cooperation and encourages them to provide timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.”