ILU-ABO, Nigeria: The Nigeria Police Force killed two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle along the Akure-Owo Expressway in Ondo State at approximately 3:30 a.m. WAT on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
The Ondo State Police Command announced the casualties and the recovery of weapons following a distress call regarding armed men at the Olaiya Block Industry, located beside Ilu-Abo High School. Okay News reports that Deputy Superintendent of Police Abayomi Jimoh confirmed the confrontation involved about seven masked gunmen who invaded the premises demanding to see the owner.
“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, the police patrol team mobilized to the scene, where the suspects engaged operatives in a fierce exchange of gunfire,” Jimoh said. “During the encounter, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralized, while the remaining members of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.”
Officers from the Federal Highway Patrol Unit recovered multiple items from the fleeing suspects following the shootout. “Meanwhile, one locally fabricated pistol, Live Catridges, four mobile phones, several face masks, as well as two ATM Cards believed to belong to the criminal syndicate or their victims were recovered,” Jimoh said.
The police deposited the bodies of the deceased suspects at the State Specialist Hospital in Akure. Authorities transferred the case to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and to track the escaping suspects.
Jimoh requested that residents and healthcare providers in the area report anyone presenting suspicious gunshot injuries to the nearest police station.
