Ondo: Police Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Firearm, ATM Cards

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two suspected kidnappers during a gun duel with operatives along the Akure-Owo Expressway, recovering a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, mobile phones, face masks and ATM cards.

According to a statement signed bythe command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh and made available to THE HOPE, said the suspects were shot dead at about 3.30 a.m. on Wednesday, after a patrol team from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo, responded to a distress call over the activities of armed men at Olaiya Block Industry, beside Ilu-Abo High School.

Police said preliminary findings revealed that about seven masked gunmen had stormed the premises and demanded to see the owner before operatives, acting on credible intelligence, moved to the scene.

The hoodlums opened fire on the patrol team, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire during which two of the suspects were killed, while others escaped into the surrounding bush with gunshot wounds.

Recovered from the scene were one locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, several face masks and two ATM cards believed to belong to members of the gang or their victims.

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

It added that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, who were believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the operation.

The command appealed to residents, particularly healthcare providers, to report anyone seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds or exhibiting suspicious movements to the nearest police station.

Reaffirming its commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, the police said the successful operation reflected its resolve to strengthen intelligence-led policing and deny criminal elements any safe haven in Ondo State.

The command also commended residents for their continued cooperation and urged them to sustain the supply of timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations across the state.