The Ogun State Social Orientation and Safety Corps, known as So-Safe Corps, has foiled a planned kidnap and armed robbery operation targeting a soft drink distributor in Iju-Ota and arrested members of the suspected gang.
This is contained in a statement issued by the State Commander, (Dr.) Soji Ganzallo, and made available through the Director of Information and Public Relations, Assistant Commander Adegunwa Adegbuyi.
The operation followed credible intelligence received on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at about 2:45pm through an ad-hoc operative of the Corps, who reported that a criminal gang was plotting to abduct Mr. Joseph Amad, a soft drink distributor based in the Iju-Ota area of Ogun State.
Acting on the information, the Ota Area Commander, ACC Dada Wasiu Ayinla, directed immediate surveillance and undercover monitoring of the suspects to track their activities without alerting them.
Investigations revealed that the alleged mastermind, identified as Ayodeji Fatomi, a 31-year-old shawarma vendor in Koro Otun, Ota, recruited two accomplices, Owolabi Moses, 26, the victim’s driver, and Rasheed Oyekunle, 31, an artiste, to execute the operation.
The driver was said to have provided insider information on the victim’s movements and daily routines using the Ford bus deployed for distribution.
The gang reportedly planned to carry out the abduction on June 17, 2026, but the plot collapsed after they failed to secure weapons from a contact identified as Baruwa.
Further findings showed that WhatsApp messages and voice notes exchanged among the suspects were recovered and analysed, confirming discussions around kidnapping, ransom demands, and plans to dispose of stolen goods and the victim’s vehicle.
Following sustained surveillance, the Corps’ Special Squad moved in after a final meeting arranged by the suspects. Two suspects were arrested initially, while Owolabi Moses was later apprehended in Iju following interrogation and further intelligence-led operations.
The Corps confirmed that the exercise was carried out professionally without casualties, although there was initial resistance from some residents believed to be sympathetic to the suspects before calm was restored.
Mr. Joseph Amad, who was rescued unharmed, later visited the Corps Command, where he expressed gratitude for the swift intervention.
All arrested suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Ota Central Divisional Headquarters, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The State Commander commended the operatives for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to intelligence-driven policing and community safety.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely information, noting that collaboration remains critical in preventing crime across the state.
“The safety of lives and property remains our priority. We will not relent until Ogun State is free from criminal elements,” he said.
