A deadly ambush in Ogun State has left four civilians and one soldier dead after gunmen attacked Chinese workers at a dredging site. The Nigerian Army confirmed the incident on Tuesday, saying the assault took place on June 8, 2026 in Magbon, Mowe, part of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.
Major Idereghi Akari, who speaks for 35 Artillery Brigade in Alamala, Abeokuta, told journalists that the gunmen struck while security operatives were responding to a distress call. The location was a dredging area known locally as Capo in Magbon Village, where expatriate workers were carrying out operations.
Akari explained that troops and police officers were caught in a surprise attack by suspected kidnappers. A heavy gunfight broke out immediately. Security forces killed one of the attackers during the clash. The rest pulled back into the bush toward the Ogun River, dragging five captives with them to block any chase by a Quick Response Force sent in as backup.
Before escaping by boat through the river channel, the gunmen executed four of the hostages. The only captive who got away later told rescuers that the gang also took the corpse of their killed member with them. Akari said the confrontation cost one soldier his life, and left another soldier plus two police officers with bullet wounds.
The remains of the slain soldier and the four recovered hostages were moved to the General Hospital mortuary in Sagamu. Medical teams are treating the injured security men. The army confirmed that personnel from 35 Artillery Brigade and the Nigeria Police Force had moved in to stop the abduction of Chinese nationals in Magbon Village.
According to the military, the attackers abandoned their plan when they realized they were outnumbered. Since the incident, the Quick Response Force and other agencies have stepped up patrols and monitoring around the area to keep things calm and stop repeat attacks.
DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, police spokesperson for Ogun Command, gave more details. He said four people were taken at first. Police worked with the military and other security units to launch rescue efforts right away. One captive was found alive. The bodies of the remaining three were recovered later.
Babaseyi also disclosed that a local hunter who joined the bush search lost his life while fighting the fleeing criminals. The police command sent condolences to his family. He added that constant pressure from the joint team led to one suspect being killed, and that the hunt for other gang members is still on. Police described the attack as a standalone criminal act.
No names of the victims have been released yet. Security presence around the Magbon dredging site has increased since the attack. The army says patrols will continue to protect workers and communities nearby.
