Tragic End for Abdulfatai Odutola as Body Discovered in Jos Forest
A Nigerian Army Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), Abdulfatai Odutola, has been killed by his kidnappers following a delay in the payment of a N20 million ransom.
Odutola was abducted on February 15, 2025, along the Abuja-Jos highway while travelling to Yola, the Adamawa State capital. His kidnappers had set a deadline for the ransom payment, which was not met, leading to his execution.
Dismissed Nigerian Soldier Seeks Tinubu’s Mercy After Torture and Detention
Timeline of the Kidnapping
According to military reports, Odutola, who was attached to the 23 Brigade in Yola, left Ilorin on February 14 and spent the night in Abuja before continuing his journey the next day. He was abducted along the Abuja-Jos road before reaching his destination.
An internal military memo obtained by SaharaReporters earlier detailed the abduction and the kidnappers’ demand:
“Pls information reaching me now from this sldr 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 14th of Feb 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 sldr.”
Despite frantic efforts to negotiate his release, the kidnappers carried out their threat after the deadline for the ransom payment expired.
Soldier’s Body Discovered in Jos Forest
A follow-up internal military memo confirmed the tragic news of Odutola’s death. His body was recovered in a forest in Jos, Plateau State, by the police. His car was also found near the crime scene.
The memo stated:
“Information reaching us now from Yola is that the above MWO Abdulfatai Odutola’s body was discovered by police from Jos forest killed by his kidnappers after passing the deadline for payment of the N20 million ransom demanded by his kidnappers. Also, his car was discovered. Kindly take action.”
Increasing Insecurity on Nigerian Highways
Odutola’s murder highlights the increasing cases of abductions on Nigerian highways, particularly along the Abuja-Kaduna and Abuja-Jos roads, which have become hotspots for kidnappings. The deteriorating security situation has seen travellers targeted by criminal groups demanding exorbitant ransoms.
This latest killing has raised concerns over the safety of security personnel and civilians alike, with many calling for the government to intensify efforts to combat kidnapping and insurgency in the region.
Boko Haram/ISWAP Attacks Military Base in Borno
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.
According to reports, the attack lasted several hours, with the terrorists burning one military vehicle and stealing two guntrucks.
A military source stated:
“There was an attack recently in Borno, one Staff Sergeant with two private soldiers were killed. However, the army authorities are silent over the attack which happened at a base in Isige Town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
“They burnt one military vehicle while they went away with two gun trucks, later reinforcement came from a nearby unit but then the Boko Haram fighters had left.”
This attack adds to the growing concerns about insurgency in the Northeast, where terrorist groups continue to launch attacks on military installations and civilian communities.
Urgent Call for Action
The murder of MWO Abdulfatai Odutola and the attack in Borno highlight the pressing need for increased security measures across Nigeria.
With rising cases of kidnappings and terrorist activities, there have been renewed calls for the federal government and security agencies to step up efforts to ensure the safety of both military personnel and civilians.
The Nigerian Army is yet to issue an official statement regarding Odutola’s death.
Soldier Detained for Exposing Colleague’s Boko Haram Links
