Police Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers in Gun Battle Along Akure-Owo Highway, Recover Weapons

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have shot dead two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle in Ilu Abo community along the Akure-Owo Highway, dealing another blow to criminal gangs operating in the area.

The confrontation occurred in the early hours of Wednesday after a group of about seven armed suspects reportedly invaded a block industry in the community. Police officers attached to the Federal Highway Patrol Unit were said to have responded swiftly following a distress call from residents.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspects engaged the patrol team in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

According to him, two members of the gang were killed during the operation, while the remaining suspects escaped into the surrounding bush with gunshot wounds.

“A patrol team from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo, responded to a distress call regarding the activities of armed men at Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School,” Jimoh said.

He added that security operatives recovered several items believed to be linked to the criminal gang, including a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, several face masks and two ATM cards suspected to belong either to the suspects or their victims.

Police have launched efforts to track down the fleeing gang members, who are believed to have sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the encounter.

The Ondo State Police Command has continued to intensify security operations across the state as authorities seek to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes, particularly along major highways that have witnessed repeated attacks in recent months.