Ogun State rescues ten kidnapping victims after operation kills one suspect and arrests another

Rescue operation in Ijebu North‑East

On 8 November 2026, security agencies in Ogun State freed ten passengers who had been abducted from a commercial vehicle near Orita Fufu in the Awa‑Ijebu area of Ijebu North‑East Local Government Area. The operation, led by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, resulted in the death of one suspected kidnapper and the arrest of a second suspect. All victims, including a youth corps member, were released unharmed.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, the head of the Ogun State government, offered praise to Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, the head of the DSS, and Olatunji Ridwan Disu, the police chief, for their contributions to the operation. He highlighted the intelligence provided by the DSS and the rapid directives from the police command as critical factors that enabled the swift tracking and neutralisation of the kidnappers.

Background

Kidnapping for ransom has been a persistent security challenge across Nigeria, prompting increased cooperation between federal and state security agencies. In recent months, Ogun State has seen a rise in reported abductions, prompting the governor to pledge a tougher stance against criminal elements. The DSS, under Ajayi’s leadership, has been equipped with advanced surveillance and communication tools to support intelligence‑led operations. The IGP, Disu, has overseen a series of directives aimed at improving police response times and coordination with other security bodies.

The rescued passengers were travelling in a commercial vehicle when armed men intercepted the convoy near Orita Fufu. The abductors fled with the hostages, prompting an immediate joint response from the DSS and police. According to the statements released by the governor’s office, the DSS supplied critical intelligence that pinpointed the kidnappers' location, while the police deployed specialised units and equipment to the site.

Why it matters

The successful rescue underscores the importance of inter‑agency collaboration in addressing kidnapping, a crime that threatens the safety of commuters and undermines public confidence. Governor Abiodun warned that Ogun would not tolerate any part of the state becoming a refuge for criminals, signalling a policy shift toward more aggressive pursuit of perpetrators. The governor’s call for residents to provide timely and credible information aims to bolster community‑based intelligence, a strategy that has proven effective in previous operations.

The incident also highlights the broader security landscape in southwestern Nigeria, where state governments are under pressure to demonstrate tangible results against kidnapping. By publicly acknowledging the roles of the DSS and the police, the governor seeks to reassure citizens and investors that the state is taking decisive action to protect lives and property.

What happens next

Following the operation, the arrested suspect is expected to face prosecution under Nigeria’s anti‑kidnapping statutes. Security officials have indicated that further investigations will continue to identify any additional accomplices and to dismantle the network behind the abduction. Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his government’s dedication to enhancing cooperation with security bodies, indicating that additional funds could be directed toward intelligence collection and quick reaction systems.

The governor also urged the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities, reinforcing a community‑police partnership model. No further details on court dates or additional arrests have been released at this stage.

The rescue operation, praised by both state and federal officials, serves as a concrete example of how coordinated intelligence and rapid police action can thwart kidnapping attempts and restore public confidence in security institutions.