Rescued Kidnap Victim Hails Nigeria Police, Calls for the Force Better Welfare as Officers Save Five from Ogun Forest

By Pan Afric Reporters

A survivor of a kidnap ordeal in Ogun State has applauded the courage and professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force after operatives of the joint Ogun and Lagos State security outfit, Operation Kosaye, rescued her and four other abducted travellers from a forest hideout, urging the Federal Government to prioritise improved welfare, salaries and operational support for police personnel.

The victim, who identified herself as Temiloluwa, made the appeal while recounting her traumatic experience to journalists at the Police Training School, Iperu-Remo, saying she had already accepted death before the swift intervention of the security operatives restored her hope.

Temiloluwa in her account reported by Badagry Today described the rescue operation as a remarkable demonstration of courage by the Nigeria Police and other security personnel, stressing that the experience completely changed her perception of the Force.

According to her, she was travelling from Edo State to Lagos on Thursday, June 25, to spend her annual leave with her family when heavily armed kidnappers ambushed their vehicle around Ogbere in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

She said the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic among motorists as vehicles collided while attempting to escape.

“The incident happened around 4 p.m. We suddenly heard gunshots everywhere. There was a vehicle in front of us and another behind us. In the confusion, our vehicle collided with another one. I hit my head against the front seat and one of my teeth came off,” she recalled.

Temiloluwa explained that while the driver escaped, one of her colleagues chose to remain with her despite having an opportunity to flee because she had sustained serious injuries.

She said the kidnappers dispossessed the victims of their cash, jewellery, wristwatches and other valuables before forcing them on a four-hour trek into the forest, where they later demanded ₦20 million ransom from their families.

According to her, hope appeared lost until Friday evening when heavy gunfire erupted during a coordinated rescue mission by security operatives.

“We didn’t know what was happening. The kidnappers started running while we struggled to hide. One of us eventually gathered enough courage to look around and discovered it was the police. That was the last thing I ever expected,” she said.

Overcome with emotion, Temiloluwa disclosed that she had already prepared herself for death before the rescue.

“We have always believed the police were not doing enough, but when I came out of the bush and saw the officers in their numbers, I was speechless. I had already accepted that I would not survive. I had even prayed to God to grant me access to His kingdom if I died.

“Seeing the police come to rescue us completely changed my perception. Since bringing us out, they have treated us with care and dignity.”

She appealed to the Federal and State Governments to invest more in the welfare of police officers and other security personnel, insisting that better remuneration, allowances and modern equipment would further strengthen the fight against kidnapping and violent crimes.

“They should be properly equipped, and everything concerning their welfare should be top-notch. These are the people putting their lives on the line so that the rest of us can sleep peacefully. Government must continue to boost their morale so they can do even more for Nigerians,” she said.

Another rescued victim, Mr. Jimoh Gbadamosi, also commended the swift intervention of Operation Kosaye, noting that improved funding and enhanced welfare for security agencies would significantly boost their operational effectiveness in tackling criminality across the country.

The successful rescue of the five abducted travellers has drawn commendation for the Nigeria Police Force and its partner agencies, while reinforcing calls for increased government investment in the welfare, training and equipment of security personnel who continue to risk their lives to safeguard citizens.