A joint security operation involving Kwara State Forest Guards, operatives of the Department of State Services, local hunters and vigilantes has rescued nine kidnapped victims and killed three suspected bandits in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
The operation took place in the Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora and Osi corridor, a border area linking Kwara with Ekiti and Kogi states.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Dada Sunday, confirmed the development in a statement, explaining that the victims had been abducted from Eju community after the local market and were being taken through the forest towards Niger State when security operatives intercepted the kidnappers.
One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo-Aiyegunle, recounted the ordeal.
“The armed men appeared suddenly and pointed a gun at me. Four of them took my son and me away. I was overwhelmed with fear and fell to the ground. They also stole my friend’s motorcycle before taking us into the forest,” he said.
Another victim, Ibrahim Danga, also from Obbo-Aiyegunle, said the victims had only spent a short time in captivity before the rescue operation.
“We had been held by the kidnappers for a short while before the security team arrived and secured our release,” he said.
A member of the Kwara Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, said the rescue followed an intelligence-driven bush-combing exercise that led to a gun battle with the suspected kidnappers.
“We neutralised three of the criminals and successfully rescued nine victims. One of those rescued sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical attention,” Adebayo said.
He appealed for improved equipment to enhance the effectiveness of security personnel combating criminal gangs in the forests.
“These criminals possess sophisticated weapons. We need more body armour, binoculars, night-vision devices, walkie-talkies and sufficient ammunition to strengthen our operations,” he added.
The Chief Security Officer of Ekiti Local Government Area, Agbemuko Gabriel, praised the forest guards for their contribution to security in the area.
“The forest guards played a crucial role in rescuing the victims abducted along the Ora-Yetoro axis. They have continued to provide valuable security and intelligence support, and we appreciate their commitment,” Gabriel said.
According to local authorities, motorcycles believed to have been recovered from the suspects were displayed after the operation, alongside the rescued victims.
The latest rescue comes as security agencies intensify bush-combing operations and joint patrols across Kwara’s southern communities to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes.
It also follows the Federal Government’s approval for the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Omu-Aran to reinforce security operations across the region.
