The kidnappers escaped while the Immigration officer’s wife was rescued after payment of a ransom of ₦2.5 million

The wife of a senior officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Ladi Abel, who was kidnapped along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway while on her way to the Trade Fair Complex, has been rescued after a joint operation by Immigration and Police officers — but her husband paid a ransom of ₦2.5 million.

Confirming the development, NIS Public Relations Officer, Seme Border Command, Isaac Elijah, said the rescue took place Tuesday evening after the kidnappers fled their hideout after realizing that security operatives were approaching them.

“The victim was rescued at around 11.45pm, in a swamp area located at 47, Ogunleye Road, Ibereko, after the kidnappers fled from their hiding place when they realized that security operatives were approaching them,” said Elijah.

He added that the operation involved a joint task force consisting of around 20 Immigration officers, 25 Police personnel and the Ibereko community.

“Badagry Police Divisional Police Officer Folajimi Akosile led the operation to raid the syndicate’s hideout. Unfortunately, none of the suspects were arrested because they had fled before the team arrived,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the victim’s husband, Mr Abel Mada, confirmed that he had paid a ransom of IDR 2.5 million before his wife regained her freedom.

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“They demanded ₦3 million. I first sent ₦500,000 in the afternoon and ₦2 million later in the evening. I was still struggling to top up the balance of ₦500,000 when I got a call that he had been rescued,” he recalled.

Giving further details about the abduction, the victim’s daughter, Miss Naomi Abel, said her mother was abducted at Torikoh Bus Stop, Badagry, by men operating two commercial buses.

“They sprayed a white liquid that made passengers faint and took about 15 people to their hideout in Ibereko. My mother said that some of those detained with her seemed to be working with the kidnappers,” he said.

Naomi thanked the security forces and residents who took part in the rescue efforts. “We thank the Police, Immigration officers and the people of Ibereko for their quick action. Their response saved our family from further extortion,” he said.

The incident adds to concerns over the increasing spate of kidnappings and criminal attacks along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, and residents are calling for increased patrols and stronger inter-agency collaboration to restore security along the corridor.