By Miracle Okoro, Abeokuta
Victims rescued from a kidnapping incident along the Ogbere axis of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway in Ogun State have recounted their traumatic experience in the hands of armed kidnappers, describing how they had already resigned themselves to death before a joint police operation secured their freedom.
The victims, who spoke after their rescue, narrated that they were abducted on Thursday, June 25, after heavily armed gunmen ambushed several vehicles on the highway.
One of the victims, Temiloluwa Faith, an IT officer travelling from Edo State to spend her annual leave with her family, said what began as a routine journey turned into a nightmare within minutes.
According to her, the attackers opened fire, causing multiple vehicles to collide before forcing passengers into the surrounding forest.
"I lost some of my teeth after hitting the front seat during the collision. The kidnappers dragged us into the bush where we trekked barefoot for hours through water and thorny paths," she said.
Another victim, Mrs. Blessing Nsofor, who had just returned from burying her husband in Anambra State, sustained a gunshot injury to her hand while trying to protect her family. Despite her injury, she managed to escape with one of her daughters, while another daughter and her sister were taken hostage.
Her daughter, Amara Nsofor, recalled how the kidnappers threatened to kill anyone who attempted to contact relatives during the ordeal.
Inside the forest, the victims said the gang leader, identified as "Babangida," ordered each hostage to contact family members and demand huge ransom payments. The kidnappers allegedly demanded a total of N170 million from the victims, with individual ransom demands ranging between N30 million and N50 million.
One of the victims, Ogechi Onuorah from Enugu State, alleged that the gang leader claimed she was specifically targeted because she was from the South-East, making inflammatory remarks while insisting on a higher ransom.
Hope returned late Friday when operatives of the Nigeria Police Force launched a coordinated rescue operation under the code name Operation Kosaye. As security operatives advanced into the forest, the kidnappers fled under heavy gunfire, abandoning their captives.
The victims said they initially feared they were caught in another attack until they identified the approaching officers as policemen.
Expressing gratitude after their rescue, the victims praised the professionalism and courage displayed by the police, saying the experience had completely changed their perception of the Nigeria Police Force.
Mrs. Nsofor admitted that she had previously criticised the police but said the successful rescue had restored her confidence in the security agency.
Temiloluwa also commended the officers for providing food, medical attention and emotional support immediately after the rescue, describing their conduct as compassionate and professional.
The victims appealed to the Federal Government and the Ogun State Government to clear the thick forests along major highways, arguing that the bushes have become safe havens for kidnappers.
They also called for improved equipment, better welfare packages and special rewards for security personnel involved in dangerous rescue operations.
Speaking after the operation, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, disclosed that the rescue followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
He said four suspected kidnappers were killed during an exchange of gunfire, while four others were arrested during follow-up operations.
Ojajuni added that joint security forces from Ogun and Lagos States have since carried out extensive bush-combing operations across major forest corridors linking Ogun, Lagos and Oyo States, dismantling several criminal hideouts and arresting 84 suspects.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, assured residents that the security operation would continue and be extended to other parts of the country.
Reacting to the success of the operation, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun commended the Inspector-General of Police and the security agencies for what he described as an intelligence-driven operation that has significantly weakened criminal networks operating along the Ogun-Lagos corridor.
The governor pledged continued investment in surveillance technology, logistics and other security infrastructure to strengthen law enforcement efforts and ensure the safety of residents and travellers across the state.
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