By Newsmata
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have successfully rescued Mrs. Folashade Odumosu, the wife of retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu.
Newsmata reports that the high-profile operation, which took place Thursday January 23, 2025, resulted in her safe recovery, unharmed, after a harrowing week in captivity.
It all started on January 16, 2025, at around 9:45 pm, when four masked gunmen ambushed Mrs. Odumosu outside her residence in Arepo, Ogun State, forcibly taking her away from her Lexus Jeep.
Police authorities said the alarming act triggered an immediate and comprehensive response from the anti-kidnapping unit of the Ogun State Police Command which leveraged on an advanced technical intelligence support from the Force Headquarters to launch an extensive surveillance operation across the creeks surrounding Arepo.
According to the police, meticulous intelligence gathering led the team to a swampy hideout in Ikorodu, where the kidnappers were reportedly strategising their next move.
The decisive raid reportedly occurred at approximately 6:45 am on January 23.
Upon arrival, the operatives were said to have come under heavy gunfire from the kidnappers, eliciting response from the police.
In the ensuing intense exchange of gunfire, two suspects were said to have been killed, while four others managed to flee, abandoning their weapons and other items.
Consequently, Mrs. Odumosu was rescued safely from the swamp and was promptly taken for what the police called “a precautionary” medical evaluation and she has since been reunited with her family.
The police said a substantial cache of weapons was recovered during the operation, including four AK-47 rifles, three locally made single-barrel rifles, and various rounds of ammunition.
Additionally, the operatives recovered N10 million in ransom money, which the kidnappers had demanded earlier.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, lauded the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, and his team for their courage and professionalism.
The IGP said “this operation highlights the unwavering dedication and resilience of our officers in ensuring the safety of citizens. The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes”.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to tracking down the fleeing suspects and preventing future occurrences of such crimes. The command urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to assist law enforcement in maintaining security across the region.