A Nigerian Army non-commissioned officer, Abdulfatai Odutola, has been killed by his kidnappers over a delay in ransom payment.
Odutola, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was abducted on February 15, 2025, along the Abuja-Jos highway while traveling to Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
The kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release.
A military internal memo earlier obtained by SaharaReporters had read:
"Pls information reaching me now from this soldier whisky that MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 BDE Yola) was kidnapped yesterday along Abuja-Jos Road, while returning to Yola. He left Ilorin on Friday, February 14, 2025, and slept at Abuja. He continued his movement from Abuja yesterday before the incident happened to him. Currently, they are demanding N20,000,000 for his release. Please, appropriate authority should help the soldier.”
However, another internal memo later confirmed that the senior officer had been killed after the deadline for ransom payment passed.
"Information reaching us now from Yola is that the body of MWO Abdulfatai Odutola has been discovered by the police in a forest in Jos. He was killed by his kidnappers after the deadline for the N20 million ransom payment expired. His car has also been recovered. Kindly take action."
This incident adds to the growing security concerns in Nigeria, as armed groups continue to target both civilians and security personnel.
In a related development, Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists recently attacked a military base in Isige town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing three soldiers and destroying several buildings. The insurgents also seized two gun trucks before fleeing.
Security experts have called for more proactive measures to tackle insecurity across the country.
