In a successful operation, the Ogun State Police Command has thwarted a kidnapping attempt along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode-Benin expressway, resulting in the rescue of three abducted Indian nationals and the neutralization of two suspected kidnappers in a gun battle.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the command, the rescue operation was conducted by police personnel to free the kidnapped Indians from their captors.
The rescued individuals were identified as Tejaram Chauhan, Kaduwal Pradhan, and Medani Kathiwada, who were abducted on Friday. The operation, conducted with the support of local vigilantes, proved successful in liberating the hostages.
During the operation, law enforcement recovered a significant sum of cash totaling N7.9 million, along with 1,500 Indian Rupees, suspected to be part of the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
Ms. Odutola detailed the events leading to the operation, stating that the Manager of Breeze Company Nigeria Limited had alerted the Divisional Police Officer at Mowe Divisional Headquarters after a kidnapping incident involving his principals at Kajola junction.
The manager reported that a gang of kidnappers had opened fire on two vehicles, one of which was accompanied by a police escort, along the Sagamu-Siun-Abeokuta expressway. Despite the exchange of fire, the police escort successfully repelled the attackers, ensuring the safety of all occupants in the vehicle.
However, three Indian nationals traveling in the second vehicle, without police escort, were abducted by the assailants and taken to an undisclosed location.
The anti-kidnapping section of the command, in collaboration with neighboring police formations and local security agents, swiftly mobilized to comb the area, leading to the rescue operation and the subsequent elimination of the suspects.
The successful rescue underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies in Ogun State to combatting crime and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike.