By ALABA OLUSOLA OKE

Gallery Security Services Limited (GSSL), a private security outfit in Ondo State, has arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued a 37-year-old woman, Mrs Morenike Falona from captivity.

The Security Manager of GSL, retired Navy Lt. Abdullahi Zakari, on Sunday handed the suspects to the Ajagba Divisional Police Station in Irele Local Government Area of the state.

Zakari explained that the suspects were handed to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

“The Gallery Security Services Limited (GSSL) has successfully rescued a kidnap victim and arrested two suspected kidnappers following a coordinated rescue operation in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State.

“The victim, Mrs Morenike Falona, a 37-year-old trader and resident of Ode-Irele, was reportedly abducted at about 10:00 p.m. on June 16, 2026, at Orelopo Street, off Ebute Road, Irele, in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State.

“Acting on credible intelligence, Gallery Security Services deployed a 20-member rescue team that conducted an intensive search operation, leading to the successful rescue of the victim at about 6:30 p.m. on June 19, 2026.

“She was rescued at an oil palm plantation in Iju-Osun community, Irele Local Government Area. The victim was rescued unharmed.

“During the operation, the rescue team apprehended two suspected kidnappers identified as Obibodefiyie Ajuesie, 36, from Ajapa Community and Monday Lucky popularly called Gazilo, 37, from Akpata Community both from Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state,” he stated.

The security manager while reiterating the GSSL’s commitment to supporting conventional security agencies in the protection of lives and property in the state, promised that the security outfit would not rest on its oars.

Also speaking on the successful operation, the Chief Executive Officer of Gallery Security Services, Chief Bibopere Ajube, commended members of the public for providing timely and actionable information that contributed to the rescue mission.

Ajube urged residents of the Ondo South Senatorial District to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities promptly.

The GSSL CEO issued a stern warning to criminals operating within the district to desist from their illegitimate activities, saying there would be no safe haven for them.

According to him, the successful operation demonstrates the company’s extensive local knowledge, strong community relationships, and proven experience in intelligence-led security operations across the wider Niger Delta region.

Ajube reaffirmed GSSL’s commitment to partnering with government institutions, host communities and security agencies to enhance public safety, protect critical assets, and promote peace and stability across the state.

Narrating her ordeal, the rescued woman explained that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million and later reduced it to N40 million during negotiation with them.

The victim said when efforts to quickly pay the ransom failed, the kidnappers threatened to kill her.

She thanked the GSSL operatives for rescuing her without being hurt.

Similarly, the husband of the victim, Mr Tunde Falona, said that he had raised N20 million to pay as ransom but the kidnappers insisted on payment of N40 million before releasing his wife.

He explained that the kidnappers made away with his car along his wife and later abandoned the car.

He commended the GSSL’s efforts and assistance of the community for the safe rescue of his wife. (NAN)