The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has commended the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo and his men for the successful rescue operation of the wife of a former Assistant Inspector General of Police (IGP), Hakeem Odumosu, who was kidnapped a week ago outside her home.
However, a raid on January 23 neutralized two kidnappers, with Mrs. Odumosu recovered unharmed.
This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the Assistance Commissioner of Police (ACP), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), who said the police retrieved weapons and ₦10 million ransom during the operation.
Adejobi narrated how the rescue operation was carried out, which revived the commendation of IGP Egbetokun.
The statement titled ‘As Operatives Rescue Mrs Odumosu, Recover Ransom’ reads: “In a commendable display of teamwork and swift action, police operatives attached to the Ogun State Command have successfully neutralized the kidnappers of Mrs. Odumosu, wife of Retired Assistant-Inspector General, AIG Hakeem Odumosu, and rescued her unharmed.
“On January 16, 2025, at approximately 9:45 PM, four masked gunmen forcibly abducted Mrs. Odumosu from her Lexus Jeep outside her residence in Arepo, Ogun State.
The abduction sparked an immediate response from the anti-kidnapping unit of the Ogun State Police Command, who commenced a thorough investigation and targeted pursuit of the kidnappers.
“With the support of the Force Headquarters technical intelligence platforms, the Ogun State police operatives engaged in extensive surveillance of the creeks surrounding Arepo, gathering crucial information to track down the assailants.
“Their efforts culminated in a raid on January 23, 2025, at around 06:45 AM. The intelligence-led operation took the police to a creek in the swampy area of Ikorodu where the kidnappers were reportedly planning their next attack.”Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the kidnappers, who opened fire.
“In the ensuing confrontation, two of the gunmen were neutralized, while four others fled the scene, abandoning their operational weapons. The victim, Mrs Odumosu was rescued within the swampy creeks during the operation, unharmed.
“She is currently undergoing medical evaluation as a precautionary measure and has since been reunited with her family.
“The police also recovered 4 Ak-47 rifles, 3 locally made single barrel rifles, ammunition of various calibers, and the sum of ₦10,000,000 ransom previously demanded by the kidnappers, further ensuring that justice is served.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the Ogun State Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, and his operatives for their displayed gallantry in this successful operation.
“This operation exemplifies the dedication and resilience of our Police officers. The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes, providing safety and security to all citizens”.
