The Ondo State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes, neutralising two suspected kidnappers during a fierce gun battle with security operatives at Ilu-Abo along the Akure–Owo Expressway.
The operation, which took place at about 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, followed a distress call reporting the presence of armed men at Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School.
According to the Police Command, about seven masked gunmen stormed the premises and demanded to see the owner of the block industry before officers from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit responded swiftly to the emergency.
On sighting the police, the suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. Two of the suspected kidnappers were killed during the confrontation, while other members of the gang escaped into nearby bushes with suspected gunshot wounds.
Police recovered a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, several face masks and two ATM cards believed to belong to the suspects or their victims.
The remains 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 (SCID) for further investigation.
The Command said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and appealed to hospitals, healthcare workers and members of the public to report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot injuries or displaying suspicious movements.
Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and sustained operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes, assuring residents that criminal elements would find no safe haven in Ondo State.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support security agencies in maintaining peace and safety across the state.
