Tragic Loss as Kidnappers Claim Life of Nigerian Army Officer Over Ransom Delay

Tragic Loss as Kidnappers Claim Life of Nigerian Army Officer Over Ransom Delay

In a devastating turn of events, a non-commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army, Abdulfatai Odutola, has been killed by kidnappers after a delay in the payment of a N20 million ransom.

 Odutola, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was abducted on February 15, 2025, while traveling on the Abuja-Jos highway towards Yola, the capital of Adamawa State.

At the time of his kidnapping, Odutola was returning to Yola after spending the night in Abuja, having departed from Ilorin the previous day. According to an internal military memo obtained by SaharaReporters, the situation was dire, with kidnappers demanding a substantial ransom for his release. 

The memo outlined the circumstances surrounding his abduction, stating, “Please, information reaching me now is that MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 BDE Yola) was kidnapped yesterday along Abuja-Jos Road while returning to Yola. He left Ilorin on Friday, February 14, 2025, and slept in Abuja. He continued his movement from Abuja yesterday before the incident occurred