A Nigerian Army officer, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Abdulfatai Odutola, has been killed by kidnappers after a delay in the payment of his ransom....Read Full Article >>➤
Odutola, a Senior Non- Commissioned Officer (SNCO) serving at 23 Brigade, Yola, was abducted on 15 February 2025 along the Abuja- Jos highway while travelling to Adamawa State. His captors initially demanded a ransom of ₦20 million for his release.
A military internal memo earlier obtained by SaharaReporters revealed details of his abduction: ” Information reaching me now from this soldier, Whisky, states that MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 BDE Yola) was kidnapped yesterday along Abuja- Jos Road while returning to Yola.
” He left Ilorin on Friday, 14 February 2025, and slept in Abuja. He continued his journey from Abuja yesterday before the incident happened. Currently, they are demanding ₦20, 000, 000 for his release. Please, appropriate authorities should help the soldier. ”
However, the ransom was reportedly not paid on time, leading to the tragic murder of the officer. A subsequent internal memo confirmed that his body had been found by police in a forest near Jos, Plateau State.
” Information reaching us now from Yola is that the above MWO Abdulfatai Odutola’ s body was discovered by police in Jos forest, killed by his kidnappers after the deadline for the ₦20 million ransom payment passed. His car has also been recovered. Kindly take action. ”
The killing has sparked fresh concerns over the rising wave of kidnappings and insecurity on major highways in Nigeria, particularly in the North. The Abuja- Jos highway, a crucial route linking central and northern Nigeria, has become notorious for abductions, armed robbery, and terrorist activities.
Odutola’ s killing comes amid renewed attacks on security personnel by insurgents and criminal gangs across the country. Recently, Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists attacked a military base in Isige town, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.
The terrorists engaged soldiers in a prolonged battle, killing three personnel, including a Staff Sergeant and two private soldiers. Reports indicate that the attackers destroyed military structures and stole two gun trucks, while also burning a military vehicle.
A source familiar with the attack told reporters: ” There was an attack recently in Borno. One Staff Sergeant and two private soldiers were killed. However, the army authorities have remained silent about the incident. The attackers burnt one military vehicle and took away two gun trucks. Reinforcements later arrived from a nearby unit, but by then, the Boko Haram fighters had already left. “ ...Read Full Article >>➤
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