The wife of a senior officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Ladi Abel, who was abducted by kidnappers along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, has been rescued by a joint team of security operatives after a ransom of N2.5 million was paid.
Mrs Abel, 45, was kidnapped last week at Torikoh Bus Stop, Badagry, while on her way to the Trade Fair Complex. According to her daughter, Miss Naomi Abel, the attackers were operating in two commercial buses and used a white chemical substance to render passengers unconscious before abducting about 15 people.
“They sprayed something and people passed out,” Naomi said. “My mother was taken along with others to a hideout in Ibereko.”
Mrs Abel later revealed that some individuals held alongside the victims seemed to be working with the kidnappers. She was eventually freed around 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday night after a raid by immigration and police officers on a swampy area along Ogunleye Street, Ibereko.
The Public Relations Officer of the NIS Seme Border Command, Mr Isaac Elijah, confirmed the rescue operation. He said about 20 immigration officers, 25 police personnel, and several members of the Ibereko community took part in the joint effort.
“The operation was led by the Divisional Police Officer of Badagry Police Station, CSP Folajimi Akosile. Unfortunately, the suspects escaped before we arrived,” Elijah said.
According to Mrs Abel’s husband, Mr Abel Mada, a ransom was paid before the rescue. He explained that the kidnappers had initially demanded N3 million for her release.
“I sent N500,000 in the afternoon and another N2 million later in the evening. I was still looking for the remaining N500,000 when I got a call that she had been found,” Mada told reporters.
Miss Naomi Abel expressed gratitude to the security agencies and local community members who took part in the rescue.
“We thank the Immigration officers, the police, and the Ibereko people. Without them, this situation could have been worse for our family,” she said.
Although the rescue operation was successful, none of the kidnappers was caught. Security forces have reportedly launched further investigations to track down the fleeing suspects.
Kidnapping remains a growing concern in Lagos and across Nigeria, with security agencies facing increasing pressure to address the menace. The incident has raised fresh concerns over safety on the busy Lagos-Badagry Expressway, a major route frequently used by commuters and traders.
