By Felix Mordi
It was a day of reckoning for a suspected gang of armed robbers whose daring gun duel confrontation with operatives of the Ogun State Police Command marked the catastrophic end of one suspect, an encounter that left others escaping with a varying degree of gunshot injuries.
The armed robbery syndicate had, in the early hours of Sunday, November 1, 2026, besieged Ijaba in Iyesi-Ota, a distress report that was relayed to the Onipanu Divisional Police Headquarters, prompting a swift response by a patrol team that mobilized and located the scene.
In their characteristic operational mode, on sighting the Policemen, the armed robbers allegedly opened fire, prompting an immediate tactical response.
The command’s spokesperson (PPRO), DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed in a statement that in the ensuing exchange of gunfire, one of the armed robbers was felled by Police bullets and, unable to withstand the superior firepower, others fled with gunshot injuries.
A search conducted after the encounter led to the recovery of two vehicles – a Nissan Almera and a Toyota Camry – a locally-made pistol, two live cartridges and seven expended cartridges.
Also recovered were a substantial cache of suspected stolen property, including HP and Dell laptops, a PlayStation console, four mobile phones, a Samsung television, a standing fan, a rechargeable radio, a Wi-Fi device, clothing, an OPay ATM card, a deck, two MP devices and other household items.
Items recovered from the deceased suspect included a Tecno mobile phone, three passport photographs, an MTN SIM pack, two National Identification Number (NIN) cards and cash, Babaseyi stated, adding that investigations are ongoing to establish the ownership of the recovered vehicles and other exhibits, as well as determine their possible links to other criminal activities.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, has commended the operatives for their prompt response, professionalism and courage, while reaffirming the command’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-led policing, sustained patrol operations and rapid response to security concerns across the state.
He encouraged residents to remain vigilant, go about their lawful activities without apprehension and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the Police, even as he assured the public that the command remains alert, accessible and committed to protecting lives and property.
The command further urged residents to sustain their partnership with the Police by providing timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation remains essential to effective crime prevention and community safety.
[
