Ogun Police At It Again, Rescue Dangote Driver, Neutralise Two Suspected Kidnappers
Ogun Police At It Again, Rescue Dangote Driver, Neutralise Two Suspected Kidnappers
By Akin Alade
The Ogun State Police Command has again demonstrated its growing operational strength in the fight against kidnapping and violent crime, following the successful rescue of a senior Dangote Cement truck driver, Usman Umar, popularly known as “Baba Olowo,” from suspected kidnappers.
The latest operation adds to a series of recent anti-kidnapping successes recorded by security operatives in Ogun State, reinforcing the Command’s determination to make the state increasingly difficult for criminal gangs to operate.
Another Breakthrough for Ogun Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit
According to the Ogun State Police Command, Umar, a senior truck driver attached to Dangote Cement Company, Ibese, was abducted by gunmen at Ajibawo Village near Ijako-Orile in Yewa North Local Government Area while returning home from work on August 25, 2026.
Following the report of the abduction, the Command activated its Anti-Kidnapping Unit and began intelligence-driven efforts to locate the victim and apprehend those responsible.
The operation eventually led security personnel to a suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Papalanto-Ilaro Road.
Police said the suspects engaged operatives in a gun battle during the operation. Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while other members of the gang reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries.
Most importantly, the abducted Dangote driver was successfully rescued.
Police Recover AK-47 Rifles, Ammunition and N2 Million
A search of the suspected hideout reportedly led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 25 rounds of ammunition, two mobile phones and N2 million in cash, which police suspect to be proceeds of criminal activities.
The bodies of the two suspected kidnappers were subsequently deposited at a morgue for autopsy, while the police intensified efforts to track down the fleeing members of the gang.
Ogun Police Building Momentum Against Kidnapping
The latest breakthrough is particularly significant because it comes amid other successful anti-kidnapping operations recorded by security agencies in Ogun State in recent months.
In June, the Command reported another operation in which an abducted victim was rescued and two suspected kidnappers were neutralised. In August, police also confirmed that three suspected kidnappers were killed during a joint security operation that led to the rescue of seven abducted students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
These operations point to increased reliance on intelligence gathering, tactical response and cooperation among security agencies and local communities in confronting kidnapping across the state.
For residents, however, sustained success will depend not only on rescue operations but also on dismantling criminal networks before they can strike.
CP Bode Ojajuni Sends Strong Warning to Criminals
Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for its professionalism, courage and operational effectiveness in rescuing the Dangote driver.
The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s determination to pursue kidnappers and other violent criminals, declaring that Ogun State would remain a hostile environment for criminal elements.
He also stressed the importance of intelligence-led policing, tactical operations and collaboration with communities in protecting lives and property.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies, particularly concerning individuals seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot injuries.
Security Requires Police-Community Partnership
While the latest operation deserves recognition, the continuing challenge of kidnapping means security agencies cannot afford to lower their guard.
Communities also have an important role to play. Criminals often operate within or pass through communities, making timely information from residents crucial to successful intelligence gathering.
With the latest rescue of the Dangote driver, the message from the Ogun State Police Command appears clear: kidnappers may run, but the security dragnet will continue to close in on them.
