By Opeyemi Adelakun
A private security outfit, Gallery Security Services Limited (GSSL), has rescued a 37-year-old woman, Mrs. Morenike Falona, from kidnappers and arrested two suspects during a coordinated operation in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Ajagba Divisional Police Station for further investigation and prosecution.
According to the Security Manager of GSSL, retired Navy Lt. Abdullahi Zakari, the operation was carried out following credible intelligence that led the rescue team to the kidnappers’ hideout.
He explained that the victim was abducted at about 10:00 p.m. on June 16, 2026, at Orelopo Street, off Ebute Road, Irele, before a 20-man rescue team was deployed to track her location.
The team reportedly located and rescued her unharmed on June 19 at an oil palm plantation in Iju-Osun community after an intensive search operation.
During the mission, two suspects identified as Obibodefiyie Ajuesie, 36, from Ajapa community, and Monday Lucky, popularly known as Gazilo, 37, from Akpata community in Ese-Odo LGA, were arrested.
GSSL’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Bibopere Ajube, commended the successful operation and praised residents for providing timely intelligence that aided the rescue effort.
He urged communities in the Ondo South Senatorial District to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
Ajube also warned criminal elements operating in the region to desist from illegal activities, stressing that there would be no safe haven for kidnappers.
The rescued victim, Mrs. Falona, narrated that the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million ransom before reducing it to N40 million during negotiations.
She said they threatened to kill her when ransom payment delays became evident but expressed gratitude to the security operatives for her safe rescue.
Her husband, Mr. Tunde Falona, also confirmed that he had managed to raise N20 million, but the abductors insisted on full payment before her release. He further disclosed that his wife’s vehicle was taken by the kidnappers and later abandoned.
He praised the efforts of the security outfit and community members for ensuring her safe return.
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