Abdulfatai Odutola: Police recovers body of kidnapped Nigerian soldier in Jos forest after ransom deadline

The Plateau State Police command has recovered the body of Nigerian Army non-commissioned officer Abdulfatai Odutola, who was reportedly killed after his kidnappers delayed the ransom payment.

IDOMA VOICE learned that the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) was abducted on February 15, 2025, along the Abuja-Jos highway while en route to Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

According to an internal military memo obtained by SaharaReporters, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦20 million for his release. The memo stated:

“Information is reaching me regarding soldier MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 BDE Yola) who was kidnapped yesterday along Abuja-Jos Road while returning to Yola.

He departed Ilorin on Friday, February 14, 2025, spent the night in Abuja, and resumed his journey from there before the incident occurred. They are currently demanding ₦20,000,000 for his release. Please, the appropriate authorities should assist this soldier.”

Another internal memo revealed that Odutola’s body was recovered in a forest near Jos alongside his vehicle. It read:

“Information from Yola indicates that the body of MWO Abdulfatai Odutola was discovered by police in a forest in Jos. His kidnappers killed him after the deadline for the ₦20 million ransom payment had passed, and his car was also found. Kindly take action.”