Paragraph 1: The Abduction and Initial Response
On the evening of January 16, 2025, Mrs. Folasade Odumosu, wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu, became the victim of a brazen kidnapping. As she exited her Lexus Jeep outside her Arepo residence in Ogun State, four masked gunmen ambushed her, forcibly abducting her and vanishing into the night. The gravity of the situation prompted an immediate and robust response from the Ogun State Police Command’s anti-kidnapping unit. Recognizing the urgency and high profile nature of the case, they launched a comprehensive investigation and initiated a targeted pursuit of the perpetrators. This swift action set the stage for what would become a complex and intensive operation.
Paragraph 2: Leveraging Technology and Intelligence Gathering
The Ogun State police, understanding the intricacies of the terrain and the potential hiding places for the kidnappers, immediately engaged the Force Headquarters technical intelligence platforms. These resources proved invaluable in the subsequent investigation, allowing for extensive surveillance of the creeks and waterways surrounding Arepo, a known haven for criminal activities. Through painstaking analysis and meticulous data gathering, crucial information began to emerge, painting a clearer picture of the kidnappers’ movements and possible hideout. This intelligence-led approach would ultimately prove crucial in pinpointing the criminals’ location and planning a successful rescue operation.
Paragraph 3: The Daring Raid and Rescue Operation
Based on the intelligence gathered, the police operatives launched a daring raid at dawn on January 23, 2025. The operation targeted a specific creek within the swampy Ikorodu area, where the kidnappers were believed to be regrouping and potentially planning their next move. As the police closed in, they were met with a volley of gunfire from the entrenched kidnappers, sparking a fierce exchange. In the ensuing firefight, two of the gunmen were neutralized, while the remaining four managed to escape into the dense swamp, abandoning their weapons and the captive Mrs. Odumosu.
Paragraph 4: Recovery of Ransom and Weapons
In the aftermath of the confrontation, the police secured the scene and recovered several key pieces of evidence. Among the items retrieved were four Ak-47 rifles, three locally made single-barrel rifles, and a substantial amount of ammunition of various calibres. Crucially, the operatives also recovered N10 million in cash, a sum that corresponded to the ransom previously demanded by the kidnappers. This recovery not only served as a significant blow to the criminal enterprise but also provided concrete evidence linking the captured weapons and the neutralized suspects to the kidnapping.
Paragraph 5: Reunion and Medical Evaluation
Most importantly, Mrs. Odumosu was rescued unharmed from the swampy creek during the operation. Though shaken by her ordeal, she was thankfully physically unharmed. As a precautionary measure, she underwent a medical evaluation to ensure her well-being and address any potential health concerns arising from her captivity. Following the medical assessment, she was joyfully reunited with her relieved family, bringing a much-needed sense of closure to the harrowing experience.
Paragraph 6: Commendations and Commitment to Public Safety
The successful rescue operation garnered high praise from the highest echelons of the Nigeria Police Force. Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun commended the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, and his team for their bravery, professionalism, and dedication throughout the operation. The IGP emphasized the Force’s unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes, underscoring their resolve to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. The successful resolution of this high-profile kidnapping case served as a testament to the capabilities of the Nigerian police force when leveraging technology, intelligence, and swift decisive action.
