Immigration officer’s wife released from captivity after payment of ransom

Thursday, October 9, 2025 - A combined team of operatives from the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, and the police have rescued Mrs Ladi Abel, the 45-year-old wife of a senior immigration officer, who was abducted along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway while heading to the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.

The victim’s daughter, Miss Naomi Abel, explained that her mother was kidnapped at Torikoh Bus Stop, Badagry, by kidnappers operating in two commercial buses.

She said the attackers sprayed a white substance that rendered passengers unconscious before taking around 15 people to their hideout in the Ibereko area.

According to her, Mrs Abel recounted that some people held with her appeared to be working in collaboration with the kidnappers.

Mrs Abel was eventually rescued late Tuesday night by security operatives at a swampy location on Ogunleye Street, Ibereko.

The kidnappers reportedly fled upon learning that security personnel were closing in on them.

Confirming the operation, the Public Relations Officer of the NIS, Seme Border Command, Mr Isaac Elijah, said the joint team carried out the rescue at about 11:45 p.m.

He noted that the operation involved approximately 20 immigration officers, 25 police personnel, and members of the Ibereko community.

“The Divisional Police Officer of Badagry Police Station, Folajimi Akosile, led the operation that busted the syndicate’s hideout. Unfortunately, none of the suspects was apprehended, as they had escaped before the team arrived,” Elijah stated.

The victim’s husband, Mr Abel Mada, revealed that he had already paid a ransom of N2.5 million before news of his wife’s rescue reached him.

“They initially demanded N3 million. I sent N500,000 in the afternoon and N2 million later in the evening. I was still trying to raise the remaining N500,000 when I got a call that she had been freed,” he explained.

Naomi expressed deep appreciation to the Police, Immigration Service, and members of the Ibereko community for their swift response, saying their intervention saved the family from further financial and emotional trauma.