Air Vice Marshal Sikiru Smith released by abductors

Air Vice Marshal Sikiru Oladimeji Smith who was abducted on 27 September in Lekki Lagos, has regained his freedom.

His Eko club first announced his freedom, according to a statement by Prince Mobolaji Ajasa-Oluwa, the social secretary.

“The President, Hon. (Barr.) Taju Jaiye Agoro GCHB and the Executive Committee of Eko Club announce with joy to all well meaning members of Eko Club that offered sincere and earnest prayers for the release of one of our members Air Vice Marshal Sikiru Oladimeji Smith M/N 1246 who was recently kidnapped by gunmen that he has been released.

“We thank Almighty Allah SWT for answering our prayers and appreciate all our blessed members for the prayers and efforts”, Ajasa-Oluwa said.

Lagos Commissioners of Police Hakeem Odumosu said Smith was released in the early hours of Saturday.

He said he handed over Smith to his family.

According to Odumosu, the persistent operational activities along the border corridors of Lagos and the recent onslaught on kidnappers in the forest led to the release of the retired Air Vice-Marshal.

Smith was abducted by armed masked men who bundled him into a boat, speeding off from the site, near Blenco Mall, where he was supervising work in the area.

The Air Vice Marshal is a cousin to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Musiliu Smith, a former inspector general of police.

As a military engineer, he held several positions such as the Chief of Logistics, Nigerian Air Force Headquarters and Chief of Defence Communications, Defence Headquarters, Abuja before his retirement.