The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a soldier and four hostages during a failed kidnapping attempt targeting Chinese expatriates in Magbon, Mowe, located in Ogun State’s Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 35 Artillery Brigade, Major Idereghi Akari, said troops working alongside police officers successfully disrupted the abduction attempt after responding to a distress call from a dredging site where expatriates were carrying out operations.
According to Akari, the joint security team came under attack from suspected kidnappers upon arrival, leading to a gun battle. One of the attackers was killed during the exchange, while the remaining suspects fled into a nearby forest and headed toward the Ogun River.
The Army said the fleeing criminals seized five people and used them as human shields while trying to escape from security operatives, including a Quick Response Force deployed to the area.
Tragically, four of the hostages were later killed by the kidnappers before they escaped through the river route in a boat. One victim managed to break free and later informed authorities that the suspects also took away the body of their slain accomplice.
Akari added that one soldier lost his life during the operation, while another soldier and two police officers sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment.
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“The joint team foiled the attempted abduction of Chinese expatriates operating at a dredging site in Magbon. During the operation, one kidnapper was neutralised, while the others fled with hostages before killing four of them,” the statement noted.
The remains of the deceased soldier and the slain hostages have been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Sagamu.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that security agencies immediately launched rescue efforts after the attack.
Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said one abducted victim was rescued alive, while the bodies of three others were later recovered.
He also disclosed that a local hunter assisting security operatives during the search operation was killed while pursuing the fleeing suspects.
Babaseyi said sustained pressure from the joint security team led to the killing of one suspect, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining members of the gang.
Security agencies have since intensified patrols and surveillance across the area to prevent further attacks and restore normalcy.