Rescued Ogun Kidnap Victims Urge FG to Equip, Improve Police Welfare

Victims rescued from kidnappers during the Ogun and Lagos State joint security operation, Operation Kosaye, have called on the Federal Government to improve police welfare and provide better equipment to strengthen the fight against insecurity.

The victims, Mr. Jimoh Gbadamosi and a woman identified simply as Temiloluwa, made the appeal on Saturday while speaking with journalists at the Police Training School, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.

They were among the five victims rescued by police operatives from kidnappers operating in the Ogbere forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Temiloluwa, who identified herself as an Information Technology officer with a private company in Edo State, said she was travelling to Lagos for her annual leave when the vehicle conveying her and two colleagues was ambushed by armed kidnappers on Thursday.

She recalled that the attack occurred around 4 p.m. near Ogbere after the gunmen opened fire on vehicles along the highway, causing panic and multiple collisions.

According to her, the kidnappers robbed the victims before forcing them to trek for about four hours into the forest, where they demanded a ₦20 million ransom from their families.

She said the situation changed the following day when police operatives launched a rescue operation.

“On Friday around 4 p.m., we suddenly heard gunshots and the kidnappers started running away. Later, we realised it was the police that came to rescue us. I never imagined we would be rescued alive,” she said.

Temiloluwa admitted that she had previously doubted the effectiveness of the police but said the operation completely changed her perception.

She urged both the Federal and State Governments to improve police salaries, allowances and operational capacity.

“These officers are risking their lives so that we can live. They deserve better welfare and proper equipment,” she added.

Also speaking, Gbadamosi described the rescue as remarkable, saying he never believed such a swift operation could happen in Nigeria.

“I could not have believed this prompt rescue was possible. The police came in their numbers and saved us within 24 hours,” he said.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to prioritise police welfare, including pensions, compensation and modern equipment, stressing that improved support would further enhance security across the country.