Nigerian Soldier Kidnapped Along Abuja-Jos Highway Killed Over Delayed Ransom Payment

A Nigerian Army senior non-commissioned officer, Abdulfatai Odutola, has been killed by kidnappers after a delay in the payment of a N20 million ransom. Odutola was abducted on February 15, 2025, while traveling along the Abuja-Jos highway en route to Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

A military internal memo initially confirmed his abduction and detailed that he had left Ilorin on February 14, spent the night in Abuja, and resumed his journey the next day before being kidnapped. His captors demanded N20 million for his release, prompting military authorities to seek urgent intervention.

A subsequent memo revealed that Odutola’s body was discovered in a forest near Jos by police officers. His kidnappers had killed him after the deadline for the ransom payment passed. Authorities also recovered his vehicle at the scene.

This incident follows a recent attack by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military base in Isige town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. During the attack, three army personnel, including a Staff Sergeant and two private soldiers, were killed. The terrorists reportedly overran the military facility, destroying several structures and seizing two gun trucks. A military vehicle was set ablaze before reinforcements arrived, by which time the attackers had fled.