Two suspected kidnappers have been killed after a fierce gun battle with operatives of the Ondo State Police Command along the Akure-Owo Expressway, as police foiled what authorities described as an attempted abduction in Ilu-Abo community near Akure.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, July 8, 2026, after officers attached to the Federal Highway Patrol Unit in Ilu-Abo responded to a distress call reporting the presence of armed men at Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, preliminary investigations revealed that about seven masked gunmen stormed the premises at about 3:30 a.m. and demanded to see the owner of the business. The patrol team swiftly mobilised to the scene, leading to a gun duel with the suspects.
During the exchange of fire, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while the remaining members of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds. Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Items recovered from the scene included a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, face masks and two ATM cards, all of which are expected to aid ongoing investigations.
The latest operation comes amid intensified security efforts in the Ilu-Abo axis, an area that has witnessed repeated kidnapping incidents in recent months. Security agencies have stepped up surveillance and tactical operations in the community following growing concerns over criminal activities along the Akure-Owo Expressway.
