In a chilling display of brutality, kidnappers have murdered a Nigerian Army senior non-commissioned officer, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Abdulfatai Odutola, after a delay in the payment of a ₦20 million ransom. The tragic incident occurred along the Abuja-Jos highway on February 15, 2025, as Odutola was traveling to Yola, Adamawa State.
Odutola, who was attached to 23 Brigade, Yola, was reportedly kidnapped while continuing his journey from Abuja, having spent the previous night in the capital. His abductors quickly demanded a ransom of ₦20 million, setting a deadline for his release.
A military internal memo obtained by Sahara Reporters detailed the urgency of the situation:
“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 b4 the incident happened to him. Currently, they are demanding ₦20,000,000 for his release. Pse appropriate authority should help the sldr.”
Despite frantic efforts, the ransom was not delivered in time. A follow-up memo later confirmed that his lifeless body was discovered in a forest near Jos by the police. His vehicle was also recovered, marking a grim end to the ordeal.
“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 ₦20 million ransom. Also, his car was discovered. Kindly take action.”
This horrific killing comes amid a surge in insecurity, particularly against military personnel. In a separate deadly attack, Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists recently stormed an army base in Isige town, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, killing three soldiers.
According to sources, the terrorists attacked for several hours, burning one military vehicle and stealing two gun trucks before escaping.
“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. They burnt one military vehicle while they went away with two gun trucks. Later, reinforcement came from a nearby unit, but by then, the Boko Haram fighters had left,” a source disclosed.
The execution of MWO Odutola underscores the growing threat of kidnappings and military-targeted attacks across Nigeria. His tragic death raises critical questions about the government’s handling of security, the welfare of military personnel, and whether ransom payments should be facilitated for abducted soldiers.
With terrorist groups and kidnappers operating with increasing boldness, Nigerians are left wondering: Who will be next, and what is the government doing to end this reign of terror?
PIONEER NEWS 