The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi has commended the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for its swift and effective response in rescuing Mrs. Folashade Odumosu, the wife of retired AIG Hakeem Odumosu.
Mrs. Odumosu was abducted by four (4) masked gunmen from her Lexus Jeep outside her Arepo, Ogun State residence at about 9:45 pm on January 16, 2025.
Reacting to the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Obi noted that the successful rescue emphasises the competence of the police “to act decisively when motivated.”
He wrote: “I commend the Nigeria Police for their swift and effective response in rescuing Mrs. Folashade Odumosu, the wife of retired AIG Hakeem Odumosu, who was kidnapped just a few days ago. The operation, conducted within a week, highlights their capacity to act decisively when motivated.
“What stands out is the precision with which the rescue mission was executed. It not only led to the safe release of the victim, unharmed, but also resulted in the neutralisation of some kidnappers, the recovery of weapons, and the retrieval of the ransom. Such a professional outcome deserves high praise.
“The Ogun State Police Command expressed gratitude for the technical support and cooperation received from the Force Headquarters and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The IGP, who displayed exceptional interest in the case, commended the Ogun Command for dismantling the criminal network behind the abduction.”
The former Anambra State Governor stated that the success story underscores a critical point that with proper leadership, motivation, and adequate support from the top echelon of security agencies, the fight against crime can yield impressive results.
“As the country continues to grapple with rising cases of kidnapping and related crimes, this incident offers hope. It proves that these issues can be tackled effectively if security personnel are well-resourced, supported, and committed to their responsibilities.
“While celebrating this laudable achievement, I urge the Nigeria Police to extend the same level of urgency and professionalism to cases involving everyday Nigerians – those whose plights are often underreported or ignored. Many innocent citizens remain victims of abduction, languishing in captivity without rescue efforts reaching them,” he remarked.
The politician stressed that the successful operation is a testament to the possibilities that lie within the nation’s security architecture when it is properly managed and prioritised, adding that “it demonstrates that, even in the face of challenges, a new Nigeria is truly possible.”
