Kidnap Survivors Recount Horror on Sagamu-Benin Expressway as Police Rescue Sparks Fresh Security Debate

For five travelers heading to different destinations across Nigeria, what began as ordinary road trips ended in one of the most terrifying experiences of their lives. Ambushed by armed kidnappers along the Ogbere section of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway in Ogun State, the victims say they had already accepted death before a dramatic police operation brought their ordeal to an end.

The survivors, who were rescued during a joint security operation involving police commands from Ogun and Lagos states, have now shared chilling accounts of the hours they spent in captivity, describing physical injuries, threats of execution, massive ransom demands, and a difficult trek through dense forest.

A Routine Journey Turned Into a Kidnapping Nightmare

One of the rescued victims, Temiloluwa Faith, had been traveling from Edo State to visit her family during her annual leave when the attack occurred.

According to her account, gunfire erupted along the highway in the late afternoon, triggering a collision involving several vehicles. During the crash, she sustained injuries that caused her to lose some of her teeth.

Unable to escape because her vehicle door became jammed, she and other passengers were confronted by heavily armed men who forced selected victims into the surrounding forest after robbing them of personal belongings.

The kidnappers reportedly marched the captives for several hours through thick vegetation, streams, and thorn-filled paths before reaching their hideout.

Victims Describe Fear, Injuries and Separation From Loved Ones

Among those caught in the attack was Blessing Nsofor, who had just buried her husband in Anambra State before beginning her journey home.

She was reportedly shot in the hand during the ambush while attempting to leave the vehicle. In the confusion, kidnappers forced one of her daughters and her sister into captivity while she escaped with another daughter despite her injuries.

The emotional impact was compounded by previous family tragedies, making the latest attack especially traumatic.

Another rescued victim, Amara Nsofor, recalled how kidnappers prevented captives from contacting relatives, warning that any attempt to use a phone inside the forest would result in immediate execution.

Millions of Naira Demanded for Freedom

Inside the forest camp, the kidnappers allegedly introduced themselves as members of an organized criminal gang and ordered each hostage to contact relatives for ransom negotiations.

According to the victims:

• Some families were asked to pay ₦70 million.
• Others received demands ranging from ₦40 million to ₦50 million.
• One victim claimed the gang leader made ethnic remarks while explaining why her ransom demand differed from others.

The survivors said negotiations began immediately, but the kidnappers showed little willingness to reduce the amounts being demanded.

“We Had Already Said Our Last Prayers”

As night fell, many of the hostages believed they would not survive.

Temiloluwa said she prayed for God’s mercy, believing death was imminent.

Another victim, Jimoh Gbadamosi, said he had just completed his evening prayers when heavy gunfire echoed through the forest.

Moments later, the kidnappers reportedly abandoned the captives and fled as security operatives closed in on their location.

Initially unsure whether another armed group had arrived, the victims hesitated before realizing police officers had reached them. They were subsequently escorted to safety.

Joint Security Operation Ends Captivity

The rescue formed part of Operation Kosaye, a coordinated security operation involving police personnel from Ogun and Lagos states.

Police authorities said the operation followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police to intensify anti-kidnapping efforts along interstate highways and forest corridors.

According to officials:

• Several suspected kidnappers were neutralized during the operation.
• Additional suspects were arrested during follow-up forest clearance exercises.
• Numerous criminal camps and illegal hideouts were dismantled across border communities linking Ogun, Lagos and parts of Oyo State.

Authorities also disclosed that dozens of suspects were arrested during broader security sweeps conducted across affected areas.

Survivors Praise Police Response

Several victims admitted that the experience changed their perception of the Nigeria Police Force.

They praised officers for risking their lives during the rescue mission and for providing medical attention, food, and emotional support immediately after they regained their freedom.

Some of the survivors acknowledged that they previously doubted the effectiveness of security agencies but said the operation restored their confidence in law enforcement.

Calls for Stronger Security Along Highways

Although grateful for their rescue, the victims believe more preventive action is needed.

They appealed to both the Federal Government and the Ogun State Government to permanently secure the Ogbere corridor by:

• Clearing thick forests that provide cover for criminal camps.
• Expanding surveillance along major highways.
• Equipping security agencies with modern weapons and intelligence resources.
• Rewarding officers involved in successful rescue operations.

They argued that reducing isolated forest hideouts could significantly limit the movement and operations of kidnapping gangs.

Ogun Government Commends Security Agencies

Following the rescue, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun praised the success of Operation Kosaye, describing it as an example of effective inter-state security collaboration.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting law enforcement through investment in surveillance technology, logistics, and other security infrastructure aimed at protecting residents and travelers.

Why This Story Matters

Kidnapping for ransom continues to pose a major security challenge on several Nigerian highways, particularly routes connecting the South-West, South-East and South-South regions.

Security analysts have repeatedly identified remote forest corridors as strategic hideouts for criminal groups, prompting increasing calls for sustained forest-clearing operations, intelligence sharing among states, and improved highway patrols.

The successful rescue demonstrates the importance of coordinated security operations while also highlighting the continuing risks faced by commuters traveling on some of Nigeria’s busiest road networks.