Security operatives in Kwara State have rescued seven kidnap victims during a gun battle with bandits in a forest near Owa-Onire, Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, announced the rescue on Thursday, explaining that the operation followed intensive search-and-rescue efforts launched after bandits attacked Motokun and Agboro communities in Patigi Local Government Area on Tuesday.
“During the operation, security operatives came under heavy fire from the kidnappers, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. The criminals were eventually forced to abandon their hostages and flee deeper into the forest,” Ejire-Adeyemi said.
One vigilante member sustained a gunshot injury during the encounter but is reportedly recovering well.
The rescued victims were identified as Adam Khadijat (23), Mamud Miriam (24), and Mumini Ahmed (17), all from Oko; Hamadu Haruna (44) from Ajase-Ipo; Afusatu Alhaji Ladan and her nine-month-old son, Usman, from Omu-Aran; and Abibat Umaru (16) from Oke-Ode.
According to the police, the victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families.
The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, commended the “gallantry and resilience” of the operatives and vowed that the command, working with other security agencies, would intensify operations against criminal hideouts until all kidnappers and bandits are brought to justice.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and share timely, credible information with security agencies to support ongoing efforts.