A Nigerian soldier and four hostages have been confirmed dead following a failed kidnapping attempt targeting Chinese expatriates at Magbon Village in the Mowe area of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Nigerian Army, through Maj. Idereghi Akari, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, stated that the incident occurred on Monday during a joint security operation triggered by a distress call from a dredging site where expatriate workers were operating.

According to the statement, troops and other security operatives responded swiftly but were ambushed by armed men suspected to be kidnappers, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

During the encounter, one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, while others fled through surrounding forest routes toward the Ogun River.

The attackers reportedly abducted five individuals and used them as human shields while attempting to escape from pursuing security forces. However, four of the hostages were later killed by the fleeing gunmen before they escaped via a river channel using a boat.

A surviving hostage reportedly provided information to security operatives, confirming the sequence of events, while also revealing that the attackers left with the body of their fallen accomplice.

The Army confirmed that one soldier was killed during the operation, while another soldier and two police officers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

The remains of the deceased soldier and the recovered victims have been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Sagamu.

Security agencies have since intensified patrols, surveillance, and tactical operations in the area to prevent further attacks and restore calm.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to working with other security agencies to combat kidnapping and protect lives and property across Ogun State and beyond.