Police foil kidnap attempt on Lagos-Ibadan expressway, kill four kidnappers

• The armed men reportedly forcefully stopped the vehicle, pointed a gun at the driver, and began robbing passengers at gunpoint

The police in Ogun State say four kidnappers were killed on Friday during a fierce gun battle on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The police said the kidnappers were neutralised at about 8:30 pm while trying to abduct some travellers around the Warewa axis of the long bridge on the busy highway.

The development is contained in statement by the spokesperson for the state police command, CSP Omolola Odutola on Saturday.

The bandits reportedly ambushed a white Paragon commercial vehicle with number plate BDG 753 YH, driven by one Mr Morufu Adedeji and heading towards Lagos.

The armed men were said to have forcefully stopped the vehicle, pointed a gun at the driver, and began robbing passengers at gunpoint.

Odutola said, “During the attack, some passengers managed to escape through the rear door, which had been smartly and courageously opened by the driver.

“This act enraged the kidnappers, who then brutally assaulted the driver to the point of unconsciousness. Other motorists raised an alarm, which was swiftly intercepted by the Anti-Kidnapping Team on patrol.

“Upon arrival, the police operatives engaged the fleeing criminals in a gun duel. Four of the armed men were fatally injured, while others escaped with gunshot wounds into the surrounding forest.

“The bodies of the neutralised kidnappers have been deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy and further investigation.”

Items recovered at the scene of the crime included one locally made pistol with two cartridges, two daggers, cash sum of ₦20,000, one Tecno Android phone, one solar power bank and three USB lights suspected to have been stolen.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding the area of criminal activities.

In a move to further strengthen the security in that area, the CP has reinforced the tactical operatives and ordered them to remain stationed at strategic flashpoints, in Arepo and heighten routine patrols to ensure the security of residents and commuters.

The command urged members of the public, especially medical practitioners, to report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds.