The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a soldier and four hostages during a failed kidnapping attempt targeting Chinese expatriates in Magbon, Mowe, located in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident occurred on June 8, 2026, when a joint security team made up of personnel from the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force responded to a distress call from a dredging site where Chinese workers were carrying out operations.
According to a statement issued by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Major Idereghi Akari, the security operatives were ambushed by heavily armed men suspected to be kidnappers. A fierce gun battle followed, during which one of the attackers was killed.
The remaining suspects reportedly abandoned their initial mission and retreated through a nearby forest towards the Ogun River. While fleeing, they seized five people and used them as human shields to evade a Quick Response Force that had been deployed to reinforce the operation.
The Army said the kidnappers later killed four of the hostages before escaping through the river in a boat. One hostage managed to escape and subsequently informed security operatives that the attackers took away the body of their slain accomplice.
Major Akari disclosed that a soldier was killed during the exchange of fire, while another soldier and two police officers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
“The deceased soldier and the recovered bodies of the hostages have been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Sagamu, while injured personnel are receiving treatment. Security agencies have intensified patrols and surveillance across the area to restore calm and prevent further attacks,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command provided additional details on the incident. Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated that four persons were abducted during the attack and that security agencies immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the military and other stakeholders.
According to him, one victim was rescued alive, while the bodies of three others were later recovered.
Babaseyi also revealed that a local hunter assisting security operatives during a bush-combing operation lost his life in an encounter with the fleeing criminals.
He extended condolences to the hunter’s family and noted that sustained pressure from the joint security team resulted in the killing of one suspect, while efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining gang members.
The police assured residents that the attack was an isolated criminal incident and that security forces remain committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
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