LETHAL TARGET: A Gabriel Kayode Thriller - Book One

Near the executive office of the governor at the Government House, a spacious, soundproof conference room stood as a testament to modern architecture, finished with Dulux gloss paint. The room was equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual technology, ensuring secure communications during sensitive discussions. The atmosphere was charged with tension, each person focused and alert.

Governor Olaniyan sat at the head of the table, surrounded by high-level security officials: the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the president, Aliyu Gusau; the Minister of Defence, Pascal Ogbeide; the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Umoren; the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DGSS), Lotanna Nnebe; and Kunle Ishola, the DSS Field Office Director. Chief Detail, slightly overwhelmed by the presence of such senior figures, was also present.

Minister Ogbeide, a well-built man with a bald head and coke-bottle glasses, spoke first. "I'm truly sorry, Your Excellency, that we're meeting under these circumstances. The president sent his warm regards."

"Thank you, Minister," Governor Olaniyan replied, his voice steady but heavy with concern.

"I can't believe your daughter was abducted," DGSS Nnebe said, his tone disbelieving. "It feels like something out of a movie."

Governor Olaniyan nodded soberly. "Governor Lucky Adeleke was shocked this happened in his state, but he has promised his full support in ensuring she is rescued."

General Umoren spoke up, his voice dry and professional. "Any idea where exactly she was kidnapped in Akure?"

"We don't have that intel, sir," replied Director Ishola. "It was a clean operation."

DGSS Nnebe raised an eyebrow. "And the protection officers assigned to her? Do they not know the location, or did we lose them on duty?"

Ishola cast a glance at Chief Detail, as though awaiting some sort of judgment. "Director, Miss Olaniyan moves with just one protection officer."

Nnebe's gaze turned piercing. "And she travelled outside the state with only one officer? Where was he when she was kidnapped? Has he reported in, or was he killed on duty?"

"We don't have that intel, sir," Chief Detail answered. The room turned toward him, their eyes sharpening. He continued, "We haven't heard from her protection officer, but we believe he's still alive."

"And he hasn't reported the situation?" the NSA asked, his voice rising for the first time.

Chief Detail nodded; his tone careful. "No, sir. His phone was turned off yesterday until this morning. We believe he's on the run."

General Umoren turned to Minister Ogbeide. "The first step is to get intel on the ground, sir."

As Ogbeide processed that, the NSA interjected, "We all agree negotiation is out of the question."

"I gave a direct instruction," Governor Olaniyan said, leaning forward. "That my daughter be moved back to the Governor's Lodge from her safehouse. This was immediately after I learned that one DSS agent was assassinated at the safehouse where she was. The next thing I knew, she was heading to Akure with just one protection officer."

"This is not how the Department of State Services operates," DG Nnebe said bitterly. "A protectee should never travel with only one protection officer, especially not in these dangerous times. It was a glaring mistake. When the killing happened, she should've been moved back to her official residence, even if it meant going against her wishes."

A heavy silence fell over the room as they all considered the gravity of the situation. The abduction and the mistakes that led up to it loomed large, and everyone understood the stakes. If they didn't act quickly, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Minister Ogbeide broke the silence. "If an agent was assassinated at a safehouse secured by the DSS, then there are moles within the organization."

"With all due respect, Minister," DG Nnebe countered sharply, "I'm not ready to jump to conclusions."

Governor Olaniyan raised a hand. "The Minister isn't stating this as fact. We're merely considering all possibilities."

Ogbeide continued; his tone was serious. "We all report to the Federal Ministry of Defence. We're the successor organizations of the NSO, and I'm pointing out the glaring truth. If there are moles within the DSS, it needs to be addressed immediately. We've already had one agent dead at the safehouse. We had a catastrophic attack at Adewumi International Airport, the crash of Flight 826-many lives lost. And now, in less than two days, Governor Olaniyan's daughter has been kidnapped by the same terrorist group. Are we going to pretend the Sons of Rangers insurgency doesn't have access to our intel?"

Ishola interjected, "If there are moles, it's likely Agent Gabriel Kayode, the security chief and protection officer for Governor Olaniyan's daughter."

The NSA groaned, his patience wearing thin. "Care to elaborate, Mr. Ishola?"

Ishola took a breath. "News reached us that Agent Orji was shot dead with a Beretta M9 with a suppressor can attached. His body was found in the trunk of the car that only Agent Kayode had access to." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Ballistics tests confirmed that the weapon used was Kayode's service weapon. Everything points to him, even though he has an alibi. But alibis can be fabricated by a professional assassin."

"I've already declared him wanted," Governor Olaniyan said, casting a hard look at Chief Detail. "But how could this happen? How could my daughter be left under his protection? He should have been detained. Now she's been kidnapped on his watch."

Ishola shook his head. "Yes, the evidence points to Kayode in Agent Orji's death, but he had an alibi-confirmed by your daughter and other agents on duty. That's what stopped his arrest. The investigation is ongoing by my agency, but it was after your daughter went to Akure with him that she was abducted."

Minister Ogbeide processed the information. "All this being said, we know Gabriel Kayode has gone rogue. It only takes one bad apple in the bunch, and there's almost always one. Kayode is the mole, and he should be declared most wanted."

Ishola shook his head. "Kayode was suspended after he exposed his protectee to danger during the Sons of Rangers attack at the mall."

"Why was he still on duty?" Gusau asked, clearly frustrated.

Governor Olaniyan answered, "I asked Ishola to bring him back. Although he advised against it, I take full responsibility. I didn't think it through."

General Umoren turned to Ogbeide. "Sir, your thoughts?"

"We need intel on the ground immediately," Ogbeide replied. "The Department of State Services must find this rogue agent. Once they do, enhanced interrogation, as the president has approved, will be used to extract information. We need to know where she is. Extraction must follow immediately. Time is critical."

General Umoren stood. "Gentlemen, let's get to work."

As Nnedi Umeora stared out the plane window, she knew that the next forty-eight hours would be demanding, and she didn't think they would find the governor's daughter in such a limited time. But in their line of work, anything was possible. The plane's reinforced wheels touched down with a firm grip on the tarmac, and the thrust reversers engaged.

The popular commercial airliner taxied across Akure's Oba-Ile Airport tarmac and came to a stop. The cabin door opened, and Umeora, along with the other passengers, made their way through the jetways into the terminal. It was the only terminal at Akure Airport, serving both arrivals and departures for domestic flights. The weather was cloudy, with a hint of rain in the air.

Nnedi Umeora, a striking thirty-three-year-old Department of State Services agent with a high-level clearance, stepped out onto the tarmac. She was tall, standing at six-one, with a slim yet powerful build that combined strength and agility. Her dark complexion, sharp features, and confident demeanor commanded respect wherever she went. Over the years, she had honed her skills in surveillance, counterintelligence, and crisis management. It was her expertise that made her a trusted ally of Agent Gabriel Kayode.

She was dressed in a black trouser suit: fitted pants and a matching jacket. Her flat shoes, black with a single strap, complemented her professional look. With a swift motion, she pulled out her phone and decided to play a trick on Kayode. She quickly typed a text: I just crash-landed.

A few moments later, her phone rang. It was Kayode. The moment she answered, his voice was filled with mock panic. "Oh my God. Which hospital are you in? Are you okay?"

Umeora chuckled. "You still have the nerve to joke around? Send me your location-I just landed."

"I'm already at the airport. Come to the parking lot. I'll find you."

After picking up her small luggage from baggage claim, Nnedi Umeora made her way to the parking lot. Not long after, Kayode's car pulled up. She got in. It was 10:00 AM.

"I wonder how Governor Olaniyan is feeling right now," Umeora mused as they drove toward the intersection.

Kayode's expression grew more sober. "He's probably thinking about how to save his daughter before it's too late."

"And they kidnapped her because they want her father badly? They could've just killed her."

"They want the governor, no doubt. They probably want to punish him. And you know why."

Umeora shook her head as Kayode slowed for a red light. "Their demands are impossible."

"Exactly why you need to help me find her before they butcher her on national TV like a helpless prey."

"I hope we do. We've got less than forty-eight hours, and I wonder what kind of magic we can work in that time," she replied.

Kayode shot her a glance. "You shouldn't be exposing yourself like this. You should've just sent me your hotel details, and I'd have picked a cab."

"We don't have much time. It's going to be a long day," Nnedi said, her tone serious.

"We're starting immediately when we get to the hotel, right?" she asked, incredulity in her voice.

Kayode gave her a sarcastic look. "No, we're going to sleep all day. Of course, we're starting right away."

"How much farther?" she asked, glancing out the window.

"We're almost there. It's a cheap, three-story hotel."

"A cheap hotel?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I didn't come for a vacation, Nnedi. I came to find my protectee."

"Is it clean?" she asked in a distrustful tone.

"You'll see for yourself. We just have to manage."

"It's different for women, Gabriel."

They rounded a curve, and Umeora's disappointment was palpable. She cleared her throat and spoke, her voice quieter now. "Our conversation last night still amazes me," she said.

"What conversation?" Kayode asked, confused.

"You're in love with your protectee-Christiana, a governor's daughter? What kind of daydreaming have you been doing lately? That's so unprofessional."

"You have your handsome husband and beautiful son. Don't you wish me the same?"

"And it's the governor's daughter you're daydreaming of? Your protectee? Wake up from that Nollywood fantasy."

"It just happened. We can't control love," Kayode said with a sigh.

"That's why you were trained to do so," she shot back.

"Nature will always take its course."

"Is she aware of this?" Umeora asked, her voice sceptical.

"I doubt it. I couldn't bring myself to tell her. How could I hit on someone I'm meant to protect?"

"Exactly. So, forget about that fantasy and focus on finding her."

Kayode turned off his phone, a determined look on his face. "We will."

As they neared the hotel, Kayode's heart raced.

"What's wrong?" Umeora asked, noticing his shift in demeanor.

He pulled over sharply. "That's where I'm staying. We have company. And I'm pretty sure it's our agency's men."

Umeora's eyes narrowed as she looked ahead. Armed men in tactical gear were entering and exiting the hotel.

"Yes," she said, her tone firm. "They're the Department of State Services agents. And they've found you."

"Not yet," Kayode said, frustration in his voice. "Oh, God. My belongings and gun are in there."

"We need to leave right now, Gabriel. You can always get new belongings. The gun is DSS property, not yours."

"I hate this!"

He was about to reverse when there was a knock on the passenger's door. To his surprise, Bolanle Rasheed, the woman he had met at the bar the previous night, stood there holding Kayode's belongings and his service pistol in hand.

Kayode rolled down the window, still stunned.

She smiled at him. "You need to grab these and leave immediately," she said.

"How did you get these? How did you know they were looking for me?" Kayode asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

"I knew the moment they showed up with their IDs and big rifles that could scare anyone. Plus, you looked so worried last night. The hotel's small, and I figured you were the one they were after."

Umeora, who had been observing quietly, looked puzzled.

"Oh my God, but how did you get my stuff?" Kayode asked again, still trying to process the situation.

Rasheed glanced at Umeora. "I own the hotel. When I saw them flashing their IDs to my pregnant receptionist, describing you, I knew what was going on. I quickly grabbed your key from the housekeeper, went to your room, packed your things, and got whatever might have identified you."

Kayode was impressed. "Thank you so much, Miss Rasheed. I'll never forget this."

"You are welcome. But why are the DSS looking for you?" she asked, her tone curious.

Umeora, looking up, noticed a tinted black Innoson G5 SUV approaching. "Gabriel, we need to get out of here now."

Kayode snatched his belongings and his gun from Rasheed. "We've got to go. Thanks again."

He reversed slowly to avoid suspicion, then made a quick U-turn and headed toward the main road. As he glanced in the rear-view mirror, he saw the SUV take a different road. He let out a relieved sigh.

Kayode sped down the main road toward Arakale. Umeora eyed him, sensing his tension. "What now? Where are we heading?"

"I don't know anywhere in this town. We should check into another hotel."

"You have an address?" Umeora asked.

"None," Kayode replied dryly. "Please use your phone."

Umeora handed him her phone, and Kayode quickly Googled nearby hotels. He picked one, copied the address, and pasted it into Google Maps for directions. As they drove, following the directions, Umeora spoke again.

"So, who's that lady?"

"A random lady I met at the bar last night. She said she knew something was wrong when I looked worried. I'm wondering how they traced me here."

Umeora shrugged. "The answer's simple. It must have been your mobile phone."

"I turned it off when we left the airport."

"You should've done that a long time ago. Even when off, they can still track your phone."

"They should use that same energy to find Christiana," Kayode said, his voice bitter.

"Maybe the Sons of Rangers destroyed her phone or tossed it."

Kayode rubbed his face. "If the agency traced me through my phone, they must know by now that I've contacted you. That means they could be tailing you, too, as we speak."

"I don't think so. I set things straight before coming here," Umeora reassured him.

"Oh, so you've got your ass covered in the agency?"

"Our asses," Umeora corrected him.

"Well, they just traced me."

"Maybe that'll be the last time," she said, her eyes scanning the road and the rearview mirror for any signs of being followed. The town was small, with the usual array of businesses, homes, and vehicles moving slowly down the streets.

A short while later, Umeora checked the map. They were close to the hotel. The map indicated that at 800 kilometres, they needed to turn right onto Stateline Road. After travelling that distance, Kayode made the right turn and continued straight. The hotel was located at number 43.

Kayode pulled up in front of the hotel. It had a spacious compound that could fit a dozen cars but looked dilapidated.

"Here we are," Kayode said, as the slightly ajar gate opened, and they drove in. He parked the car, grabbed their belongings, and they headed inside.

Behind the reception counter sat an elderly woman with white hair and a wrinkled face. Kayode guessed she was in her seventies. She looked up from her large register, which seemed as old as the building itself. She stood up to greet them, though barely tall enough to rise above the counter.

Kayode looked around. The hotel needed serious renovations, with cobwebs hanging from the ceilings. It hadn't been updated since it was built.

"Can I help you?" the woman asked.

"I don't think this is good enough," Umeora whispered to Kayode.

"Let's check the rooms first," he whispered back. "We don't have time to waste driving around town searching for luxury when we've got a job to do."

The elderly woman smiled, revealing brown teeth. "You made the right choice. The owner gave up on this place, but we're trying to see what we can do with the old building."

"Are you the new owner, Aladi?" Kayode asked, reading her nameplate.

She chuckled. "My son, nothing 'new' about me. If I were the owner, I wouldn't be sitting here all day trying to make it work. I'd hire someone younger and more attractive to run things."

"You have rooms available?" Umeora asked.

"Of course. The only things occupying our rooms are cobwebs and dust," she said with a grin. "But don't worry. We've had the housekeepers clean up. The beds are fresh, and everything's ready for you."

"We'll take two rooms," Kayode said.

The woman raised an eyebrow. "Two rooms? A beautiful couple like you? Why separate rooms?"

"Oh, we're not married," Umeora replied. "Just colleagues, trying to get some rest."

The receptionist gave them a knowing look. "Must be a tough day at work. I thought you two were on a honeymoon or something."

Kayode forced a smile. "You're mistaken."

"I usually am," she said with a smile, handing them two keys. "The more rooms I sell, the more money we make."

Kayode paid for two nights in cash. As the woman handed them the keys, she added, "Clean towels, new tissues, and soaps are all set in the bathrooms. Both rooms are across from each other. If you want to share some... 'carnal knowledge,' you can easily knock on the other door."

Nnedi laughed. "Mama, you're a funny and experienced receptionist."

"Oh, I do my best. I'll be honest, though: our meals aren't great. Our cook passed away last month, and the new one can't even boil yam. But I recommend my daughter's restaurant down the alley to the left. It's a great place to eat. They serve food so good it'll empty your savings in a minute."

"You're a good marketer, too," Umeora said as they headed for the stairs.

Kayode turned to her. "We need to trace these guys through the map from where Christiana was taken."

Umeora glanced at him. "I have a surprise that could help us find your protectee."

"Tell me," Kayode asked, intrigued.

"I may have a lead. The guy who led Christiana to the Sons of Rangers... his real name is Abdul Mohammed. His mother is sick, and I have her location."

Kayode's eyes widened. "How did you know about this? You came prepared. You should have told me earlier."

"We just arrived," Umeora said, her tone matter-of-fact.

"Then let's go and question his mother right away. She could lead us straight to her son."

"Yes, she could," Umeora agreed. "And we're lucky-she's in Akure."