Victims rescued from a kidnapping operation along the Ogbere axis of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway have recounted their harrowing experiences in captivity, describing how a routine journey turned into a terrifying ordeal before they were freed less than 24 hours later by a joint police operation.
The survivors, who spoke after their rescue under the Nigeria Police Force’s “Operation Kosaye,” also commended security operatives for their swift intervention and appealed to the Federal Government to strengthen security along the highway.
One of the victims, Temiloluwa Faith, an Information Technology officer in Edo State, said she was travelling home for her annual leave on June 25 when the vehicle she was travelling in came under attack.
She recalled that the incident began around 4 p.m. when gunmen opened fire, causing three vehicles to collide.
“It was around 4 p.m. when we heard gunshots. The vehicles collided, and I hit my head against the front seat. That was how I lost my teeth,” she said.
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According to Temiloluwa, the owner of the vehicle escaped through one side, but she was trapped inside because the door had jammed. Although another passenger attempted to shield her from the attackers, he was eventually dragged away by the gunmen.
She said the kidnappers dispossessed her of her valuables before forcing her and four other victims from different vehicles into a nearby forest.
“We trekked barefoot for nearly four hours through thick bushes and streams, with thorns piercing our feet. There was no chance of escaping,” she recalled.
Another victim, Blessing Nsofor, who was returning from the burial of her husband in Anambra State alongside her children and sister, sustained a gunshot wound to her hand during the attack.
She narrated how the kidnappers abducted one of her daughters and her sister while she managed to escape with another daughter despite her injury.
“The gunman ordered me to come out and shot me in the hand. He dragged my daughter and my sister away. I jumped into a gutter with my other daughter and managed to escape while bleeding,” she said.
Her daughter, Amara Nsofor, said the kidnappers warned the captives against making telephone calls in the forest, threatening to kill anyone who attempted to contact relatives.
Another rescued victim, Jimoh Gbadamosi, said the gang leader identified himself as “Babangida,” adding that the kidnappers communicated among themselves in the Fulani language.
He disclosed that the kidnappers demanded N70 million for his and Temiloluwa’s release, while Amara’s family was initially asked to pay N50 million before the amount was reduced following negotiations.
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Similarly, Ogechi Onuorah, who was travelling from Enugu to Lagos after burying her mother, alleged that the gang leader claimed she was specifically targeted because she was Igbo.
According to her, the kidnappers demanded N50 million for her freedom and rejected her family’s attempts to negotiate a lower ransom.
Rescue Mission
The victims said they had almost lost hope when heavy gunfire erupted from the direction of the expressway in the early hours of Friday.
They explained that the kidnappers fled into the forest after realising security operatives were closing in on their location.
Temiloluwa said the captives initially feared another armed group had arrived until one of the victims, Ogechi, identified the approaching personnel as police officers.
The hostages were subsequently rescued during a coordinated operation by the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands under the code name “Operation Kosaye.”
Victims Praise Police
Following their rescue, the victims commended the professionalism, courage and compassion displayed by the police officers throughout the operation.
Nsofor described the rescue as miraculous, saying the experience had completely changed her perception of the Nigeria Police Force.
She expressed gratitude that her family survived the attack and applauded the officers for risking their lives to rescue the hostages.
Temiloluwa also praised the security personnel for providing food, first aid and emotional support immediately after the rescue, admitting she had previously doubted the police’s ability to carry out such a successful operation.
Gbadamosi urged Nigerians to have greater confidence in security agencies, saying the rescue operation exceeded his expectations.
Victims Seek Stronger Security Measures
The survivors appealed to the Federal Government and the Ogun State Government to clear dense forests along the Ogbere section of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway, arguing that the overgrown vegetation provides cover for criminal gangs.
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They also called for improved funding, modern equipment and better welfare packages for security personnel, insisting that officers who risk their lives in rescue operations deserve greater motivation and support.
According to the victims, converting unused forest areas into mechanised farms or other productive ventures would help eliminate criminal hideouts and improve security along major highways.
Police Confirm Success of Operation
Speaking during a briefing at the Ogun State Police Training College in Iperu, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, alongside his Lagos State counterpart, CP Tijani Fatai, said the successful operation was carried out on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
Ojajuni said the operation led to the rescue of the abducted victims and formed part of intensified security efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating along the Lagos-Ogun corridor and other adjoining areas.