By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta 

The Ogun State Police Command has uncovered two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly linked to the abduction and murder of two hostages in the Okada area of Edo State, following intelligence-led operations in Ijebu-Ode.

The suspects, identified as Gafaru Adamu, 25, and Muhammed Sanni, 20, were arrested in the Atiba area of Ijebu-Ode after investigations by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are wanted in connection with an ongoing kidnapping and murder investigation in Edo State.

The police spokesperson disclosed that intelligence gathered during the investigation linked the suspects to a seven-man kidnapping gang allegedly involved in the crime.

“Following extensive profiling and investigation, the suspects were identified as Gafaru Adamu and Muhammed Sanni. Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects are wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into a kidnapping and murder case reported in the Okada area of Edo State,” the statement said.

Babaseyi added that operatives recovered a pair of police camouflage uniform and three mobile phones from the suspects during the operation.

“Further intelligence gathered by the Command indicates that the suspects are alleged members of a seven-man kidnapping syndicate linked to the incident under investigation”. 

“During the course of the investigation, operatives recovered one pair of police camouflage uniform and three mobile phones from the suspects,” he stated.

The Command noted that the offences under investigation were committed outside Ogun State and announced plans to transfer the suspects and recovered exhibits to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

“The suspects and all recovered exhibits will be transferred to the Edo State Police Command, which has primary jurisdiction over the matter, for further investigation and other necessary legal processes,” the statement added.

Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism and intelligence-gathering efforts.

Ojajuni said: “the Command remains resolute in its determination to prevent criminal elements from using Ogun State as a hideout or transit point for unlawful activities.”

He further assured residents that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing strategies and strengthen collaboration with security agencies across state boundaries to enhance public safety.

The police commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support the ongoing fight against crime and criminality.