A military source has revealed that Master Warrant Officer Abdulfatai Odutola, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was abducted last Saturday along the Abuja-Jos highway while en route to Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
The kidnappers are reportedly demanding a ransom of ₦20 million for his release.
An internal military memo confirmed the incident, stating: “Please be informed that information reaching me now from Soldier Whisky is that MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 Bde Yola) was kidnapped yesterday along the Abuja-Jos road while returning to Yola. He left Ilorin on Friday, 14th February 2025, and spent the night in Abuja. He continued his journey from Abuja yesterday before the incident occurred.
“Currently, they are demanding ₦20,000,000 for his release. Please, the appropriate authorities should assist the soldier.”
Meanwhile, Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists recently launched an attack on a military base in Isige town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing three army personnel.
A source disclosed that the attack lasted several hours, during which the terrorists burned many buildings and took away two gun trucks. “There was a recent attack in Borno; one Staff Sergeant and two private soldiers were killed. The army authorities have remained silent about the attack, which occurred at a base in Isige Town, Gwoza Local Government Area.
“They burned one military vehicle and escaped with two gun trucks. Later, reinforcements arrived from a nearby unit, but the Boko Haram fighters had already fled.”
This attack comes on the heels of another assault on the military’s Forward Operating Base in Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State. There, an as-yet-unconfirmed number of soldiers were killed, and several remain missing.
“The 25 Taskforce Brigade was attacked during the weekend, resulting in many casualties. So far, over seven bodies have been recovered,” a source said.
