The Lagos Directive

Ipao, Ekiti – Dusk

The compound fell eerily quiet, broken only by Makx’s laboured breathing. Ogun swiftly reloaded, adrenaline sharp in his veins, scanning shadows for another ambush.

Shapes emerged cautiously from the treeline, formation tight, weapons raised methodically. SD9 insignias gleamed in the fading light. Ogun’s finger tightened instinctively on the trigger.

Makx growled weakly, struggling to rise. Ogun steadied her gently.

Their leader removed his helmet, stepping into the pale dusk, eyes calm but sharply alert. “OW-T,” he said respectfully, voice firm with authority. “Commander Idris. SD9 cleanup team. We’re here to terminate Falaye’s rogue operation and secure the asset.”

Ogun’s voice cut through the tension. “You’re late, Commander.”

Idris’s gaze swept the devastation around them, his expression acknowledging the tactical precision. “Clearly. Your reputation hardly does you justice.”

“Falaye?” Ogun asked coldly.

Idris nodded grimly. “Gone rogue, compromised SD9’s integrity. We discovered too late. He deceived us all.”

“And Hadji?” Ogun demanded, eyes flaring briefly with suppressed grief.

Idris’s voice softened slightly, sincere. “He didn’t make it. His intel led us to tracking you here. He was honourable to the last breath.”

Ogun’s jaw tightened. “He deserved better.”

Idris nodded solemnly, eyes briefly moving to Efe, trembling behind Ogun. “We need to secure the asset. She carries critical intelligence.”

Ogun’s stance hardened instantly. “Taking her would be impossible, even for your best men. You know who I am, Commander. This won’t end without further bloodshed.”

Idris considered carefully, respect obvious in his hesitation. Finally, he gave a small nod, a rare acknowledgment. “You leave me little choice. Take her. Falaye remains our priority.”

“Not if I find him first,” Ogun said, eyes cold as steel.

Idris signaled his men back into the shadows. “The D.G. would still want to debrief you.”

Ogun gently lifted Makx into his arms, “Hmm, we’ll see.” Turning to Efe.

“Ogunwale…” Efe began, voice shaking.

“I promise, I’ll explain everything,” Ogun reassured her quietly. He carried Makx as they stepped carefully into the gathering darkness. They left destruction and death behind.

⸻

Epilogue – Eight Months Later

Tangier, Morocco – 22:35pm

Falaye slipped quietly into his modest apartment, bolting the door firmly behind him. The dim interior was still, shadows thickening at every corner. He reached to flick on the light.

“Leave it,” a familiar, cool voice said from the darkness.

Falaye froze, pulse quickening. “OW-T.”

From the shadows, Ogun emerged slowly, eyes reflecting cold fury. “You ran well, Falaye. Not well enough.”

Falaye, regaining composure, sat cautiously, eyes wary but defiant. “I knew it would be you who would eventually find me.”

“You made it personal,” Ogun replied calmly, stepping closer. “Why?”

Falaye smiled bitterly. “You and Hadji were getting too close. Discovering secrets that were never meant to surface. The Niger op, I did what needed to be done. I had to protect the bigger picture.”

“By betraying us?” Ogun’s voice was steady, icy.

Falaye met his gaze fiercely. “I’m a patriot. Efe’s algorithms could change the balance of power across Nigeria, even beyond. You saw her potential as a sister, I saw her potential for our nation. Sacrifices had to be made.”

“You were wrong, Falaye,” Ogun countered firmly, his tone dangerously quiet. “You lost sight of what you claimed to protect.”

Falaye leaned forward, challenging. “You call me a traitor, but history will judge differently. I’m not sorry for what I did. Our country is stronger because of it.”

Ogun’s gaze never wavered. “A true patriot protects their people. You only served yourself and your sponsors.”

Falaye sighed, resigned yet defiant. “So this is it then?”

“It is,” Ogun whispered, voice lethal.

Falaye tensed, reaching quickly for the pistol hidden beneath his jacket.

Ogun moved with cold precision, catching Falaye’s arm mid-draw, snapping the wrist sharply. Falaye gasped, pain rippling through him.

Ogun leaned close, voice a blade. “Your patriotism died the moment you betrayed us.”

Falaye opened his mouth to respond, but Ogun’s final strike was swift and precise, snapping Falaye’s neck instantly.

Falaye slumped lifelessly. Ogun straightened slowly, eyes distant but resolute, turning quietly towards the door.

” Echo niner, Hadji.” He whispered into the shadows.

“Mission accomplished,” stepping silently into the Moroccan night.

⸻

The End… or is it?