The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reiterated its dedication to ensuring the safe rescue of Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, the Afenifere National Youth Leader, who was recently kidnapped.
The police force pledged to utilise all necessary resources and expertise to facilitate his release.
SaharaReporters previously reported that the kidnappers of Prince Ojajuni had issued a 48-hour ultimatum, threatening to kill him if a ransom of N100million was not paid.
In a voice recording obtained by SaharaReporters, a tense conversation between the family and the kidnappers reveals the negotiations in progress.
During the call, Prince Ojajuni expressed distress, stating that the kidnappers had demanded N100million and had already shot him in the buttock.
One of the family members spoke with the kidnappers and pleaded for a reduction in the ransom amount.
In a statement released on Wednesday, by police spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police urged the public to exercise caution and refrain from engaging in speculation or sharing unverified information regarding the ongoing rescue efforts.
However, he cautioned that such activities could inadvertently jeopardise the operation and endanger the victim’s safety.
Adejobi further declared that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to actively pursue and dismantle all criminal elements operating within the communities, with the ultimate goal of establishing peace and safety.
He added that IGP had ordered the immediate deployment of the FID – Intelligence Response Team (IRT) tactical team to prioritise the safe rescue of Prince Eniola Ojajuni, the Afenifere Youth Leader, who was kidnapped on February 17, 2025, while en route to Abuja.
In a related incident in Taraba State, police operatives acted on credible intelligence to successfully storm a criminal hideout in the Wamunchi dry season rice farms on February 26, 2025.
The operation resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, seven rounds of live ammunition, and the arrest of twenty male suspects, along with the recovery of one motorcycle, three Dane guns, and a bow and arrow.
Adejobi stated that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, and the suspects are currently being profiled.
Additionally, in Oyo State, a report of a kidnapping incident in Agede Village, Moniya, Ibadan, on February 25, 2025, prompted a coordinated response by the tactical teams of the Oyo State Police Command and local security outfits.
The statement read, “This response led to the safe rescue of three abductees: Olori Hakimat Sadia, 50 years old; Olori Rakyat, 45 years old; and Monsuru Ganiyu, 20 years old. They were taken from the palace of Baale Tajudeen Inaolaji on February 24, 2025, by ten armed men. One of the abductors was arrested during the operation.”
“The Inspector General of Police (IGP) commended the bravery and swift action of these officers, emphasising their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens,” Adejobi added.
