LAGOS MAY 31ST (NEWSRANGERS)-Ogun state Police command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on kidnapping syndicates with the arrest of key suspects linked to a string of abductions across parts of the state.
Police source on Friday disclosed that the operation, carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led to the arrest of 67-year-old Muhammadu Abdullai, the Seriki Fulani of Ijebu-Ode, after investigators reportedly recovered a bag used in the payment of ransom from his family compound.
The sources also stated that the recovery was made during an intelligence-led investigation into series of kidnapping incidents reported in Ijebu-Ode, Imodi, Irewon, Iwode, Okun-Owa and neighbouring communities.
According to investigators, the operations were traced to a notorious suspect, Bala Muhammadu, who recently completed a five-year prison sentence for kidnapping-related offences.
A senior police source said detectives painstakingly analysed intelligence gathered from previous kidnapping cases before linking the suspect and his associates to the crimes.
“As part of our investigation, one of the bags used in delivering ransom to kidnappers was traced and recovered from the family compound of the principal suspect. The discovery provided a major lead in our investigation,” the source said.
The source added that security operatives moved swiftly to apprehend the suspects but were allegedly thwarted when Bala and two of his brothers received advance warning of the police operation.
“One of the children in the compound spotted the police and alerted the suspects. Before our men could secure the area, they escaped through the bush,” the officer disclosed.
Investigators believe the fleeing suspects are members of a well-organised kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorising residents and commuters in several parts of Ogun State.
“It is not only Bala that we are investigating. Other members of the gang, including one identified as Ndaji and another accomplice, are currently being tracked. There was a noticeable increase in kidnapping activities in the area shortly after Bala regained freedom from prison,” the source added.
The police operation also led to the arrest of some family members and associates of the wanted suspects as investigators widened the net in a bid to dismantle the criminal network.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olubode Ojajuni, described the operation as another significant success in the fight against violent crime.
The CP said the breakthrough was achieved through intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated tactical operations backed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu and Ogun state Commissioner of Police.
According to him, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit demonstrated professionalism and determination in pursuing the suspects despite attempts to evade arrest.
“The successful operation leading to the arrest of criminal suspects and the recovery of incriminating exhibits underscores the bravery and resilience of our operatives. Their intelligence-driven approach continues to frustrate criminal networks and enhance public confidence in the police,” the CP said.
The police boss assured residents that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle all kidnapping syndicates operating within Ogun State and neighbouring areas.
The Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Security sources disclosed that investigations are continuing and that more arrests are expected as detectives intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and uncover the full extent of the alleged criminal network.
BluePrint
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