… Hand over two suspects to police

… Thwarts ₦40m ransom demand

A rescue operation coordinated by a private security firm has led to the dismantling of a kidnappers’ hideout and the safe recovery of a 37-year-old trader who had been held captive for three days in Irele Local Council Area of Ondo State.

The security firm, Gallery Security Services Limited (GSSL), rescued the victim, Morenike Falona, a resident of Ode-Irele, Okitipupa Local Council Area of Ondo State, from a palm plantation in the Iju-Osun community following her abduction from her residence.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, identified as Obibodefiyie Ajuesie, 36, from Ajapa Community, and Monday Lucky, popularly known as “Gazilo,” 37, from Akpata Community, both from Ese-Odo Local Government Area.

Falona was reportedly abducted at Orelopo Street, off Ebute Road, in Irele Town, with sources disclosing that after the kidnappers gained entry into the family home, they forced the victim into her husband’s vehicle when their attempt to abduct her husband failed.

Acting on credible intelligence, GSSL was said to have mobilized a 20-member rescue team that conducted an intensive search operation across the local government area.

The handover of the suspects was conducted by the Security Manager of GSSL, Retired Navy Lieutenant Zakari Abdullahi, at the Ajagba Police Station in the Irele Local Government Area.

The suspects and relevant case documentation were subsequently transferred to the Area Commander at the Okitipupa Area Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

Abdullahi reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting conventional security agencies in the protection of lives and property across Ondo State, promising that the security outfit would not relent in its efforts.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the chief executive officer of Gallery Security Services, Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube, commended members of the public who provided timely and actionable information that contributed to the successful rescue mission.

Ajube said, “We advise all criminal elements operating within the Ondo South Senatorial District to desist from their activities or face the full weight of the law.

“Gallery Security Services, in collaboration with relevant security agencies and local communities, will continue to identify, apprehend, and hand over offenders for prosecution.”

He urged residents across Ondo South Senatorial District to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities.

Ajube noted that although GSSL’s contractual operations are primarily focused on the riverine communities of Ese-Odo Local Government Area, the company mobilized personnel and resources beyond its designated operational area to address security challenges in neighboring local government areas.

He explained that the successful operation demonstrates the company’s extensive local knowledge, strong community relationships, and proven experience in intelligence-led security operations across the wider Niger Delta region.

GSSL reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with government institutions, host communities, and security agencies to enhance public safety, protect critical assets, and promote peace and stability across Ondo State.

Recalling her harrowing experience, the rescued victim revealed that her captors initially demanded a ransom of N100 million before reducing it to N70 million and subsequently to N40 million following negotiations. She disclosed that the kidnappers threatened to kill her if the ransom was not paid.

Her husband, Tunde Falona, said he had managed to raise N20 million to pay as ransom, but the kidnappers refused to accept it, insisting on the N40 million payment before his wife’s release.

He explained that the kidnappers had made away with his car alongside his wife but later abandoned the vehicle at a known location.

Falona commended GSSL’s efforts and the assistance of local communities for the safe rescue of his wife.