IJEBU-ODE – The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly linked to the kidnapping and murder of two hostages in Okada, Edo State.

The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola? Wait, user says Oluseyi Babaseyi. Need to use the provided. Let’s write.

The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, CSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who said the suspects were apprehended following intelligence-driven investigations by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

According to Babaseyi, the suspects, identified as Gafaru Adamu, 25, and Muhammed Sanni, 20, were initially intercepted by personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service in the Atiba area of Ijebu-Ode over suspicious movements, prompting further police investigations.

Preliminary findings, he said, revealed that the duo was wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into the kidnapping and subsequent murder of two hostages in the Okada area of Edo State.

The police spokesperson added that intelligence gathered during the investigation indicated that the suspects were members of a seven-man kidnapping syndicate allegedly responsible for the crime.

During a search conducted on the suspects, operatives recovered one pair of police camouflage uniforms and three mobile phones, which are believed to be relevant to the ongoing investigation.

> “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 uniforms and three mobile phones from the suspects. The exhibits have been properly documented and taken into custody to aid further investigation,” Babaseyi stated.

The Command noted that since the alleged offences were committed in Edo State, the suspects and all recovered exhibits would be transferred to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

> “The alleged offences under investigation occurred outside Ogun State. Consequently, in line with established inter-state policing procedures and existing collaboration among State Police Commands, the suspects and all recovered exhibits will be transferred to the Edo State Police Command, which has primary jurisdiction over the matter,” the statement added.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives involved for their professionalism and dedication, describing the arrest as a reflection of effective intelligence gathering and inter-state security collaboration.

Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring that Ogun State does not serve as a safe haven or transit route for criminal elements, while assuring residents of continued intelligence-led policing operations across the state.

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to support the fight against crime.

The latest arrest comes weeks after the Ogun State Police Command neutralised two suspected kidnappers and arrested two others during an intelligence-led operation in the Ijebu axis of the state.

The operation, which took place in May, followed investigations into the abduction of three persons in the Ipojo area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu. The victims were later released unharmed after the payment of a ransom.