Police kill 2 kidnappers during gun battle in Ondo

The operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a gun duel along the Akure–Owo Expressway in Ilu-Abo, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Jimoh said the incident occurred at about 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday when a patrol team from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo, responded to a distress call on the activities of gunmen at Olaiya Block Industry.

Jimoh, who said the block industry was located beside Ilu-Abo High School along the Akure–Owo Expressway, explained that preliminary reports revealed that about seven masked gunmen invaded the premises and demanded to see the owner.

He said the police patrol team, acting swiftly on credible intelligence, mobilised to the scene, where the suspected kidnappers engaged police operatives in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Jimoh stated: “During the encounter, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while the remaining members of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

“Meanwhile, one locally fabricated pistol, live catridges, four mobile phones, several face masks, as well as two ATM card believed to belong to the criminal syndicate or their victims, were recovered.

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“The bodies of the suspects have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, for preservation and other necessary procedures.

“The case has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet and comprehensive investigation.”

The police spokesperson added that the command has commenced efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang, who were believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the gun duel.

Jimoh, therefore, urged residents, particularly healthcare providers and members of the public, to promptly report any individual presenting suspicious gunshot injuries or exhibiting suspicious movements at the nearest police station.