Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have successfully rescued five students of Gateway Polytechnic Saapade who were abducted by suspected gunmen in the community.
The incident, which triggered a swift security response, was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi.
According to him, the abduction was reported late on April 27, prompting an immediate reaction from security operatives.
“The incident occurred on 27th April 2026 at about 2255hrs, when Ipara division received a distress report of a suspected kidnapping.
“Acting promptly, a patrol team was deployed to the scene where an ash-coloured Toyota vehicle was discovered abandoned. The vehicle was observed with visible bullet impacts and blood stains, while mobile phones and other personal belongings were recovered from within”
Further investigation at the scene led to the discovery of an identity card belonging to one of the students, confirming that the victims were from the institution. This development prompted authorities to escalate the situation and initiate a comprehensive rescue operation.
In response, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, ordered the deployment of tactical units and directed that the operation be intelligence-driven to ensure the safe recovery of the victims.
Multiple units, including SWAT, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), the Quick Response Squad (QRS), OP MESA, and personnel from the Isara Area Command and Ipara Division, were mobilised to comb surrounding areas and track the abductors.
“Acting on this directive, operatives of Isara Area Command, Ipara Division, SWAT, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Quick Response Squad (QRS), and OP MESA were swiftly mobilised and conducted coordinated bush combing and tracking operations along suspected escape routes.
“The sustained operational pressure led to the successful rescue of the five (5) victims from the custody of the abductors on 28th April 2026. The victims were immediately evacuated, debriefed, and taken for medical attention due to conditions sustained while in captivity”
During the operation, the kidnappers reportedly engaged the police in a gun battle but were overpowered by the operatives’ superior tactics and firepower, forcing them to retreat with suspected gunshot injuries. No casualties were recorded among the security personnel.
Following the successful rescue, the Commissioner of Police commended the officers involved for their professionalism, coordination, and swift response, noting that the intelligence-led strategy played a key role in the outcome.
He also assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, with continued bush combing operations underway.
