The Ondo State Police Command has thwarted a suspected kidnapping operation, killing two armed suspects during a gun duel in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday after operatives attached to the Federal Highway Patrol Unit received a distress call that armed men had invaded Olaiya Block Industry along the Akure–Owo Expressway.

Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the officers immediately moved to the scene, where they encountered about seven masked gunmen. The suspects reportedly opened fire on the operatives, prompting a gun battle.

At the end of the exchange, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while others escaped into a nearby forest with gunshot injuries.

Security operatives recovered a locally made pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, face masks and two ATM cards from the scene.

The bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, while the case has been handed over to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

The Police Command said a manhunt is underway to track down the fleeing suspects and appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in their arrest. It also urged hospitals and healthcare providers to report anyone seeking treatment for suspected gunshot wounds.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and vowed to sustain operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ondo State. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.