…hands over two suspects to police
A private security firm, Gallery Security Services Limited (GSSL), has rescued a 37-year-old woman who was abducted by suspected kidnappers and subsequently handed over two suspects arrested during the rescue operation to the police in Ondo State
The suspects were formally handed over at Ajagba in Irele Local Government Area by GSSL Security Manager, retired Navy Lieutenant Zakari Abdullahi, for onward transfer to the Okitipupa Area Command for further investigation and prosecution.
Speaking on the rescue of the victim and arrest of the suspects, Abdullahi said the victim, Mrs Morenike Falona, a trader and resident of Ode-Irele, was abducted around 10 p.m. on June 16, 2026, on Orelopo Street, off Ebute Road in Irele.
According to him, following credible intelligence, the security outfit deployed a 20-member rescue team that launched an intensive search operation across the area.
He explained that “The operation culminated in the successful rescue of the victim at about 6:30 p.m. on June 19, 2026, from a kidnappers’ hideout located within a palm plantation in Iju-Osun community, Irele Local Government Area.”
He added that the victim was rescued unharmed while two suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation.
The suspects were identified as Obibodefiyie Ajuesie, 36, of Ajapa Community, and Monday Lucky, popularly known as Gazilo, 37, of Akpata Community, both from Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state.
Abdullahi reiterated GSSL’s commitment to complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies in safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Speaking on the successful rescue, the Chief Executive Officer of GSSL, Chief Bibopere Ajube, commended residents who provided useful information that aided the operation.
He urged members of the public across Ondo South Senatorial District to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities.
Ajube warned criminal elements operating in the district to abandon their activities, stressing that there would be no hiding place for kidnappers and other offenders.
He said, “We advise all criminal elements operating within Ondo South Senatorial District to desist from their unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law.
“The Gallery Security Services, working with relevant security agencies and local communities, will continue to identify, apprehend and hand over offenders for prosecution.”
The GSSL boss noted that although the company’s contractual operations are concentrated in coastal communities of the Ese-Odo Local Government Area, it has continued to assist in tackling security challenges in neighbouring councils.
He said the successful rescue demonstrated the firm’s local knowledge, strong community network and experience in intelligence-driven security operations across the Niger Delta region.
Ajube reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnering government institutions, host communities and security agencies to improve public safety and promote peace across the state.
Recounting her ordeal, Mrs Falona said the kidnappers had targeted her husband but abducted her instead after failing to seize him.
She alleged that the gunmen forced her into her husband’s vehicle and whisked her away to the forest.
According to her, the abductors initially demanded N100 million ransom before reducing it to N70 million and later N40 million following negotiations.
She said the kidnappers repeatedly threatened to kill her if the ransom was not paid promptly.
The victim expressed gratitude to the GSSL operatives who stormed the forest camp and rescued her without injury.
While speaking, the victim’s husband, Mr Tunde Falona, disclosed that he had raised N20 million as ransom, but the kidnappers rejected the offer and insisted on receiving N40 million before releasing his wife.
He added that the abductors drove away with his vehicle after the abduction but later abandoned it at a location and commended operatives of the private security firm and members of the local communities whose support contributed to the safe rescue of his wife.
Meanwhile, one of the suspects reportedly confessed to being recruited into the operation through a phone call from another member of the gang.
The suspect admitted having previously participated in kidnapping activities but claimed he had abandoned the crime before being persuaded to join the latest operation.
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