THE recent rescue of Mrs. Folashade Odumosu, wife of retired Assistant Inspector-General Hakeem Odumosu, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is a testament to what can be achieved when law enforcement acts decisively on credible intelligence. This operation, which unfolded in a remote creek in Ikorodu, Lagos State, not only saved a life but also sent a strong message to criminals: the tide is turning. Two kidnappers were neutralised, four fled, and the ransom of N10 million was recovered alongside sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles. This success story, however, is not just a cause for celebration but a call to action. It underscores the urgent need for sustained investment in intelligence-led policing and a broader commitment to tackling the scourge of kidnapping in Nigeria.
Mrs Odumosu’s abduction on January 16 outside her residence in Arepo, Ogun State, was a stark reminder of the pervasive threat posed by kidnapping in Nigeria. The brazenness of the crime—four masked gunmen seizing a high-profile individual—sent shockwaves through the community and placed immense pressure on law enforcement. The Ogun State Police Command, to its credit, responded with urgency and precision. Acting on timely intelligence, it launched a pre-dawn raid on January 23, catching the kidnappers off guard and ensuring Mrs Odumosu’s safe return. The operation was a masterclass in tactical execution, but it also highlighted the critical role of intelligence and resource mobilization in combating crime.
The success of this operation is particularly significant given the broader context of kidnapping in Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigerians paid a staggering N2.23 trillion in ransoms between May 2023 and April 2024. This alarming figure reflects the scale of the crisis, which has evolved into a lucrative criminal enterprise affecting families across all socioeconomic strata. No one is immune—not even the families of retired law enforcement officers. The abduction of Mrs Odumosu, with its high-profile implications, could have been a devastating blow to public confidence in the police. Instead, it became a rallying point, demonstrating that with the right approach, criminals can be outmanoeuvred. However, this victory should not obscure the challenges that remain. The NPF has long grappled with underfunding, limited manpower and logistical constraints, which have often hindered prompt responses to abduction cases.
While the rescue of Mrs. Odumosu is a step in the right direction, it also serves as a reminder of the systemic issues that need addressing. Intelligence-led policing, as demonstrated in this operation, must become the norm rather than the exception. This requires not only increased funding but also a commitment to training, equipping, and motivating officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism. Moreover, the operation highlights the importance of public trust in law enforcement.
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Too often, families of kidnapping victims have expressed frustration over delayed responses or perceived inaction. The swift and decisive rescue of Mrs Odumosu is a step toward rebuilding that trust, but it must be followed by consistent and transparent efforts to protect all citizens, regardless of their status or connections. The police must ensure that every abduction case is treated with the same urgency and dedication, reinforcing the principle that no life is more valuable than another. The broader implications of this operation are clear: where there is a will, there is a way. The NPF has shown that it can rise to the occasion when equipped with the right tools and intelligence. This success must serve as a catalyst for further reforms, including the adoption of advanced technology, improved inter-agency collaboration, and community engagement to gather actionable intelligence. By building on this momentum, the NPF can deter future criminal activities and reduce the emotional and financial toll of kidnapping on the country.
The rescue of Mrs Odumosu is a beacon of hope in the fight against kidnapping and organised crime. It demonstrates that with determination, precision, and professionalism, law enforcement can achieve remarkable results. But this is not the end of the road—it is a starting point. The Nigeria Police Force must continue to refine its strategies, invest in its personnel, and prioritise the safety of all citizens. Only then can the country hope to turn the tide against the criminal networks that threaten its collective security and well-being. The fight must continue, and the lessons from this operation must guide us forward.
