The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has praised the Nigeria Police for their swift action in rescuing Folashade Odumusu, the wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumusu, who had been recently kidnapped.
Naija News earlier reported that Mrs. Odumusu was freed by the police, as confirmed in a statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday in Abuja.
The rescue operation, carried out within a week, successfully returned the victim unharmed, neutralized several kidnappers, and led to the recovery of weapons and ransom.
In a statement on Friday via X, Obi commended the Ogun State Police Command for its professionalism and effectiveness, noting that the successful operation demonstrated the police’s ability to act decisively when motivated.
He emphasized the precision of the operation, which not only secured the victim’s safe release but also dismantled a criminal network and recovered vital evidence.
Obi also acknowledged the technical support provided by the Force Headquarters and the exceptional attention given to the case by Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The IGP had praised the Ogun Command for its role in breaking up the criminal syndicate behind the abduction.
The former Anambra State Governor further highlighted that this success demonstrates the importance of strong leadership and adequate resources in the fight against crime.
However, Obi urged the police to apply the same level of urgency and professionalism to cases involving ordinary Nigerians, whose abductions often remain unresolved.
The LP chieftain wrote: “I commend the Nigeria Police for their swift and effective response in rescuing Mrs. Folashade Odumusu, the wife of retired AIG Hakeem Odumusu, 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.
“This success story underscores a critical point: 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.
“This successful operation is a testament to the possibilities that lie within our security architecture when it is properly managed and prioritised. It demonstrates that, even in the face of challenges, a new Nigeria is truly POssible.”