The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a soldier and four hostages during a kidnap operation by gunmen targeting Chinese expatriates at Magbon in the Mowe area of Ogun.

Idereghi Akari, spokesman for the 35 Artillery Brigade, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday. According to Mr Akari, the attack occurred on Monday in Magbon, in the Mowe area of Obafemi-Owode council, during a joint security operation.

He explained that the security team responded to a distress call from a dredging site where expatriates were working. According to him, the joint team was ambushed by gunmen, leading to a  gunfight.

“One of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised during the exchange, while others retreated through nearby forest routes toward the Ogun River. 

“The attackers reportedly took five hostages as human shields while escaping from pursuing security operatives deployed as reinforcement. Four of the hostages were later killed by the fleeing gunmen before they escaped through a river channel using a boat. 

“A surviving hostage reportedly informed security personnel that the attackers also took away the body of their dead accomplice,” the police said.

Mr Akari stated that the operation recorded casualties among security operatives, with one soldier killed during the encounter. He said that another soldier and two police officers sustained gunshot wounds.

He added that the remains of the slain soldier and recovered hostages had been deposited at the mortuary in Sagamu.

The army spokesperson noted that security agencies had intensified patrols and surveillance across the area to prevent further security breaches and restore public confidence.

He reiterated the army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through sustained collaboration with other security agencies in the state. 

(NAN)