In a significant breakthrough, the Ogun State Police Command has successfully apprehended two kidnappers and rescued three Indian nationals who were held hostage. The daring rescue operation took place on May 7, 2024.
The incident unfolded on May 3, when a gang of kidnappers attacked two Toyota Hiace buses belonging to Breeze Company Nigeria Limited. The company’s manager reported the incident to the Mowe Divisional Headquarters, recounting how the kidnappers opened fire on the vehicles near Kajola Junction along the Ibadan-Lagos expressway.
The first bus, with police escorts on board, managed to escape the attack unharmed. However, the second bus, carrying the three Indian nationals identified as Tejaram Chauhan, Kaduwal Pradhan, and Medani Kathiwada, fell victim to the kidnappers. They were taken to an undisclosed location.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Anti-kidnapping Section of the Ogun State Police Command, in collaboration with other local security agencies, sprang into action. They launched an intensive search operation, combing the area and coordinating with police formations along the Benin-Sagamu Papalanto route.
At approximately 4:30 PM on May 7, the police operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gunfight in a forested area. The operation resulted in the successful rescue of the three Indian nationals, who were found unharmed.
Two of the six kidnappers were neutralized during the encounter. The police also seized significant evidence, including two AK 47 rifles, a locally made single-barrel gun, a sword, a cell phone, criminal charms, and 65 rounds of ammunition. Moreover, the police recovered a sum of ₦7.9 million and 1,500 Rupees, believed to be the ransom paid by the victims’ families.
The bodies of the two deceased kidnappers have been deposited at the public mortuary, while a manhunt is underway to apprehend the remaining four members of the notorious gang.
The Ogun State Police Command, through the DPO of Mowe Divisional Headquarters, expressed gratitude to all the officers and security personnel involved in the operation. They also expressed relief that the victims were rescued unharmed.
This successful counter-kidnapping operation serves as a testament to the commitment and effectiveness of the Ogun State Police Command in ensuring the safety and security of its residents.
