In a swift response to the abduction of a prominent youth leader of the Afenifere socio-cultural group, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed a specialised team to rescue the victim and apprehend the kidnappers. The incident, which has sparked outrage across the country, highlights the growing concern over insecurity in Nigeria.
Prince Eniola Ojajuni, the Afenifere youth leader, was reportedly kidnapped on February 17, 2025 While travelling to Abuja. The assailants, armed and masked, ambushed the victim’s vehicle, overpowered his security detail, and whisked him away to an unknown location. A ransom demand was later issued, further heightening tensions among family members and associates.
The Afenifere group, a prominent Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has condemned the kidnapping and called on security agencies to ensure the safe return of Ojajuni. In a statement released by the group’s spokesperson, Afenifere described the abduction as “a brazen attack on the values of peace and unity we stand for.”
“We are deeply concerned about the safety of our youth leader and urge the authorities to act swiftly to secure his release. This incident is a reminder of the urgent need to address the rising insecurity in our nation,” the statement read.
In response to the incident, the Inspector General of Police has mobilized a team of tactical operatives, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Intelligence Response Team, to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim. The police have also intensified patrols and surveillance in the area where the abduction occurred.
In a statement released on Wednesday from the Force Headquarters, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reassured the public of the police’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other forms of criminality. “The Nigeria Police Force is fully committed to ensuring the safe rescue of the kidnapped youth leader. We are working round the clock and leveraging all available resources to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement read.
The kidnapping has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents expressing fear and frustration over the deteriorating security situation. Many have called for increased security presence and proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
“We no longer feel safe in our own communities. The government must do more to protect us,” said a resident who preferred to remain anonymous.
The abduction of the Afenifere youth leader is the latest in a series of high-profile kidnappings that have plagued Nigeria in recent years. From schoolchildren to political figures, no one seems immune to the scourge of kidnapping, which has become a lucrative criminal enterprise for armed groups.
Security experts have also weighed in on the situation, highlighting the need for intelligence-driven operations and community policing to address the root causes of kidnapping and other criminal activities. “The deployment of a specialized team is a step in the right direction, but there must be a sustained effort to dismantle the networks that enable these crimes,” said a security analyst.
As the rescue operation unfolds, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for a positive outcome. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s security apparatus and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to safeguard the lives and properties of its citizens.
The Inspector General of Police has assured the public that updates on the operation will be provided as they become available. In the meantime, citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
