Police, Gallery Security Crack Kidnap Network as Fresh Arrests Shake Criminal Hideouts
The ongoing battle against kidnapping and violent crime in Nigeria recorded another significant victory as a joint operation involving the Nigeria Police Force and Gallery Security Services Limited (GSSL) led to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers linked to a major abduction case under investigation by the Lagos State Police Command.
The operation, which took place in communities within Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, further demonstrated the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven security collaboration between law enforcement agencies, private security organizations, and local communities.
According to information made available to Global Egberi Media International Ltd, the operation was initiated following a request for operational support from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Lagos State Police Command. The squad had been investigating the abduction of a businesswoman in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State on April 22, 2026.
As investigations progressed, security operatives reportedly traced the movement of some suspects to riverine communities in Ondo State. This discovery triggered a coordinated security response involving the Lagos State Police Command, Ondo State Police Command, Area Command Okitipupa, and Gallery Security Services Limited.
Leveraging its extensive operational presence and local intelligence network across the riverine areas of Ondo State, Gallery Security Services deployed personnel and intelligence assets that played a crucial role in tracking the suspects.
The operation eventually led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Semoboawei Joshua, 27, from Amapere Community, and Gbamire Telemowei, 32, from Akpata Community, both located within Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Security operatives also recovered a locally fabricated shotgun believed to be connected to criminal activities currently under investigation.
Following their arrest, the suspects were formally handed over by the Security Manager of Gallery Security Services Limited, Navy Lieutenant Zakari Abdullahi (Rtd), to operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Lagos State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Second Major Breakthrough Within Days
The latest arrests come barely days after another successful security operation involving Gallery Security Services Limited resulted in the rescue of a kidnapped trader, Mrs. Morenike Falona.
Mrs. Falona, a 37-year-old trader, was abducted on June 16, 2026, at Orelopo Street, off Ebute Road in Irele Town, Ondo State.
Following intensive intelligence gathering and coordinated field operations, security personnel successfully located and rescued her unharmed on June 19, 2026, from a palm plantation in Iju-Osun Community.
The kidnappers responsible for her abduction were also arrested and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and prosecution.
The successful rescue operation and the fresh arrests linked to a separate kidnapping case within the space of one week have been described by security stakeholders as a strong indication that coordinated security efforts are beginning to yield measurable results.
CEO Commends Security Agencies
Speaking on the latest development, the Chief Executive Officer of Gallery Security Services Limited, Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube, praised the professionalism and commitment displayed by the Nigeria Police Force and all security personnel involved in the operation.
He specifically commended the Lagos State Police Command, Ondo State Police Command, Area Command Okitipupa, and members of local communities who provided useful intelligence that contributed to the success of the operation.
According to him, the arrests underscore the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration, and community participation in addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
He noted that the partnership between law enforcement agencies and responsible private security organizations has proven to be a critical factor in the fight against kidnapping and violent crime.
Senior High Chief Ajube further emphasized that the two successful operations recorded within one week highlight what can be achieved when security agencies, local communities, and private security operators work toward a common goal.
He stated that the rescue of a kidnapped victim, the arrest of her abductors, and the subsequent apprehension of suspects linked to another kidnapping case demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations.
Growing Concern Over Rising Insecurity
While celebrating the recent successes, the Gallery Security CEO expressed concern over the resurgence of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across various parts of Nigeria, particularly within sections of the South-West region.
He stressed that insecurity has become a national challenge requiring a collective response from governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, private organizations, religious leaders, and citizens.
According to him, no single organization can successfully confront the complex security threats facing the country without broad-based collaboration.
He therefore called on the Federal Government, state governments, local government authorities, traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the private sector to intensify support for security initiatives aimed at combating criminality.
Citizens Urged to Remain Vigilant
Senior High Chief Ajube also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious movements, strange activities, and criminal elements within their communities.
He emphasized that timely information from residents often provides the breakthrough needed by security agencies to prevent crimes and apprehend offenders.
The security chief issued a stern warning to kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal elements operating within Ondo State, the South-West region, and the wider Niger Delta, declaring that there would be no safe haven for those engaged in criminal activities.
He maintained that through sustained cooperation between security agencies, private security operators, and local communities, criminal networks would continue to be exposed, dismantled, and brought before the law.
A Model for Modern Security Cooperation
Security analysts believe the recent achievements represent a growing model of modern security cooperation in Nigeria, where public and private security institutions complement each other through intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.
As kidnapping continues to pose a serious threat to economic activities and public safety, the latest successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force and Gallery Security Services Limited offer renewed hope that sustained collaboration can significantly reduce criminal activities and restore public confidence in security efforts across the country.
The arrests and rescue operations have further reinforced the message that when communities remain alert and security agencies work together effectively, criminal elements find it increasingly difficult to operate unchecked.
Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Source: Gallery Security Services Limited
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
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