The Nigeria Police Force has explained how its operatives in Ogun State rescued the wife of a former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, who was kidnapped from her Arepo residence.
The former AIG’s wife was kidnapped last Thursday and spent seven (7) days in captivity.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the rescue was done in the early hours of Friday after a intelligence driven operation.
Mrs Odumosu was kidnapped by four (4) masked men who attacked her at about 10pm last Thursday, pulled her out of her Lexus SUV and took her away.
The police said the anti-kidnapping unit of Ogun State Command tracked the kidnappers to a creek in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
During the operation, the kidnappers engaged the police in a gun duel.
The police overpowered them, two were killed, four escaped and Mrs Odumosu was rescued unhurt.
The police PRO said the response was timely, adding that the operation was done at 6:45am on January 23, 2025.
Adejobi said the kidnappers were planning to move to another location in the Ikorodu creek when the police struck. Despite the gunfire, the police were resolute, recovered several weapons including AK-47 rifles, locally made single barrel guns and ammunition of different calibre.
Also a sum of N10 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers was recovered.
Mrs Odumosu has been reunited with her family and is undergoing medical check up as a precaution.
Her rescue is a testament to intelligence led policing and the commitment of the officers involved.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has commended the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo and his team for their tenacity for justice.
The operation is a proof of synergy in crime fighting and protection of citizens.
This operation shows the challenges of policing organized crime and the Nigerian Police Force’s ability to protect lives and maintain peace. It’s a reminder of the need to support security agencies.