The Ondo State Police Command has neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle with operatives along the Akure–Owo Expressway, recovering a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges and other items.
According to the Command’s public relations officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, when a patrol team from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo, responded to a distress call over the activities of armed men at Olaiya Block Industry near Ilu-Abo High School.
About seven masked gunmen stormed the premises and demanded to see the owner of the block industry. Acting on the information received, the patrol team moved to the scene, where the suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a gun duel.
The police said two of the suspects were killed during the exchange, while others escaped into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene include a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, several face masks and two ATM cards believed to belong to members of the gang or their victims.
The bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, while the case has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
The command said efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspects and appealed to healthcare providers and members of the public to report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or displaying suspicious movements.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, the command said it would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing and other operational strategies to deny criminal elements safe haven in the state.
The police also appreciated residents for their continued support and urged them to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing crime-fighting efforts.
