Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the police to act swiftly when ordinary Nigerians face security threats, following the recent rescue of Folashade Odumosu, wife of retired Assistant-Inspector General Hakeem Odumosu.
On January 16, 2025, at 9:45 pm, Mrs. Odumosu was abducted by four masked gunmen outside her residence in Arepo, Ogun State, while in her Lexus Jeep. She was freed one week later in a police operation that recovered N10 million in ransom money, confiscated ammunition, and resulted in the neutralisation of some of the kidnappers.
Obi commended the police for their prompt and professional response.
“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,” Obi wrote on X. “The operation, conducted within a week, highlights their capacity to act decisively when motivated.”
He praised the precision of the police operation, saying, “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.”
Obi emphasised that this success demonstrates the effectiveness of Nigeria’s law enforcement when provided with proper leadership, motivation, and adequate support.
“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,” Obi added.
He concluded by stating that the operation is a testament to the potential of Nigeria’s security system when properly managed, highlighting that a “new Nigeria” is indeed possible.
“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,” he stated.
