Gallery Security Services Rescues Kidnap Victim, Arrests Two Suspects in Ondo
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
In a remarkable display of intelligence-driven security operations, Gallery Security Services Limited (GSSL) has successfully rescued a kidnapped trader and apprehended two suspected kidnappers following a carefully coordinated operation in Ondo State.
The operation, which has been widely commended by residents and security stakeholders, culminated in the safe rescue of Mrs. Morenike Falona, a 37-year-old trader and resident of Ode-Irele, who was abducted by suspected criminals in Irele Local Government Area.
According to information made available by the security company, Mrs. Falona was reportedly kidnapped at approximately 10:00 p.m. on June 16, 2026, along Orelopo Street, off Ebute Road, in Irele Town.
The incident triggered immediate concern among residents, especially in a region where security challenges have become a growing source of anxiety for local communities and businesses.
Upon receiving credible intelligence regarding the whereabouts of the victim and her abductors, Gallery Security Services reportedly activated a specialized rescue mission involving a twenty-member tactical team.
The team embarked on an extensive search and intelligence-gathering operation across various locations within Irele Local Government Area.
After several days of painstaking efforts, the security operatives successfully traced the kidnappers to a palm plantation located within the Iju-Osun community.
At approximately 6:30 p.m. on June 19, 2026, the rescue team stormed the location and successfully secured the freedom of Mrs. Falona without any reported injury.
The successful rescue was accompanied by the arrest of two suspects identified as Obibodefiyie Ajuesie, aged 36, from Ajapa Community in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, and Monday Lucky, popularly known as “Gazilo,” aged 37, from Akpata Community, also in Ese-Odo Local Government Area.
Security sources described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat kidnapping and related criminal activities across Ondo South Senatorial District.
In keeping with established legal procedures, the rescued victim, the arrested suspects, and all relevant case materials were formally handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force at Ajagba Police Station in Irele Local Government Area on June 20, 2026.
The case is expected to be transferred to the Area Commander at Okitipupa Area Command for comprehensive investigation and possible prosecution.
The formal handover was carried out by the Security Manager of Gallery Security Services, Navy Lieutenant Zakari Abdullahi (Rtd), who reaffirmed the company’s commitment to complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies in safeguarding lives and property.
Speaking after the operation, the Chief Executive Officer of Gallery Security Services Limited, Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube, praised members of the public whose timely information contributed significantly to the success of the rescue mission.
According to him, community participation remains one of the strongest weapons against criminality.
He called on residents throughout Ondo South Senatorial District to remain security conscious and continue providing useful information to security agencies whenever suspicious activities are observed.
The security chief also delivered a strong warning to criminal elements operating within the region.
He declared that individuals involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of criminality should either abandon such activities or be prepared to face the consequences of the law.
According to him, Gallery Security Services will continue to collaborate with government authorities, conventional security agencies, and local communities to identify, apprehend, and prosecute offenders.
What makes the operation particularly noteworthy is that Gallery Security Services reportedly mobilized resources outside its designated contractual area of operation.
Although the company’s primary mandate is focused on riverine communities within Ese-Odo Local Government Area, management approved the deployment of personnel and logistics into neighboring communities to ensure the victim’s safe return.
Observers have described this action as a demonstration of the company’s operational flexibility, strong community intelligence network, and commitment to public safety beyond contractual obligations.
Security analysts also note that intelligence-led operations such as this highlight the growing importance of collaboration between private security providers, local communities, and government security institutions in addressing modern security threats.
The successful rescue operation comes at a time when concerns over kidnapping and violent crimes continue to dominate discussions across many parts of Nigeria.
For residents of Irele and surrounding communities, however, the rescue of Mrs. Morenike Falona represents a rare but encouraging victory against criminal elements seeking to undermine peace and public safety.
As investigations continue, many residents are hopeful that the arrest of the suspects will provide law enforcement agencies with valuable intelligence capable of dismantling wider criminal networks operating within the region.
Gallery Security Services has reiterated its determination to remain at the forefront of community-based security efforts while strengthening partnerships with government institutions, traditional authorities, host communities, and law enforcement agencies.
The company says its ultimate goal remains the protection of lives, the safeguarding of critical assets, and the promotion of peace, security, and sustainable development throughout Ondo State and the wider Niger Delta region.
Source: Gallery Security Services Limited (GSSL) Press Release, June 20, 2026.
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