Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has commended the Nigeria Police for their role in rescuing Mrs. Folashade Odumusu, the wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumusu, who was recently kidnapped.
Chronicle NG reported that Mrs. Odumusu was rescued by the police, as announced in a statement on Thursday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi.
In a week-long operation, the victim was safely released, some kidnappers were neutralised, and weapons and ransom were recovered.
Obi praised the professionalism of the Ogun State Police Command, stating that the rescue mission demonstrated their ability to act effectively when properly motivated.
“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,” Obi stated.
The Ogun State Police Command also expressed gratitude for the technical help obtained from the Force Headquarters and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who showed unusual interest in the case.
The IGP praised the Ogun Command for eliminating the criminal network responsible for the abduction.
This result, according to Obi, demonstrates the need for proper leadership and motivation in crime fighting.
“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,” he wrote.
However, Obi called on the police to extend similar urgency and professionalism to cases involving ordinary Nigerians, whose plights often go unnoticed.
“Many innocent citizens remain victims of abduction, languishing in captivity without rescue efforts reaching them,” he said.
He also described the successful operation as a testament to the potential of Nigeria’s security architecture when managed and prioritised effectively.