Terrorists abduct woman in Lagos, demand N60m ransom

Friday, April 24, 2026 - Armed kidnappers have abducted a woman, Olanike Ogundare, from her residence in the Oke Agaye area of Ijedodo, Lagos State.

The victim was reportedly taken at about 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from No. 1 Olufemi Ogundare Street.

According to accounts from the neighbourhood, the attackers carried out a coordinated operation, overpowering the security guard on duty at gunpoint before whisking the victim away to an unknown destination.

Community leaders and local security stakeholders have also been mobilised, including Gani Adams, leader of the Oodua People’s Congress.

Sources familiar with the development earlier told SaharaReporters that the abductors had contacted the family twice, demanding a ransom of N60 million for her release

According to sources, the kidnappers used the victim’s phone number, with calls received by one Mr. Dapo Adeola, who is reportedly acting as an intermediary in the case.

The abductors are said to have initially demanded N60 million ransom, but the demand has now been converted to United States dollars, suggesting what investigators believe may be an attempt to complicate tracing and payment monitoring.

It was gathered that N5 million has already been transferred by the victim’s husband to Adeola, though it remains unclear whether the funds have been converted or delivered to the kidnappers.

Security sources say the victim is likely still in captivity, while efforts are ongoing to track communications and financial movements linked to the case.

“The ransom demand remains N60,000,000, but now required in US dollars. N5,000,000 already transferred by husband to Adeola,” a source privy to the matter said.

"The status of USD conversion and delivery to kidnappers is unconfirmed. USD demand suggests organised operation and intent to avoid traceability.

“Use of intermediary presents both risk and monitoring opportunity.”

The source said immediate action is required to track communications and financial transactions, engage Adeola under supervision, and take control of all further negotiations and payments.

Meanwhile, the family of the victim has engaged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to facilitate her rescue.