Four Hostages and Soldier Killed in Ogun Kidnapping Attempt

A joint military and police operation in Ogun State has foiled a kidnapping attempt targeting Chinese expatriate workers, but the incident resulted in the deaths of a soldier, four hostages, and one attacker. The confrontation occurred on Monday, June 8, 2026, at a dredging site in Magbon Village within the Mowe area of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Major Idereghi Akari, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 35 Artillery Brigade, the violence began when a joint security team responded to a distress call from the worksite. The team was ambushed by armed men suspected to be kidnappers, leading to a fierce gun battle. During the exchange, one of the attackers was neutralized.

The remaining assailants retreated into the surrounding forest toward the Ogun River, taking five hostages to use as human shields against a pursuing Quick Response Force. Major Akari stated that the fleeing gunmen later killed four of those hostages before escaping through a river channel using a boat. A fifth hostage, who managed to escape, reported that the attackers also took the body of their slain accomplice with them.