Joint security operatives kill three bandits, rescue nine kidnapped victims

Security Forces Rescue Nine Kidnapped Victims in Kwara State

Kwara State security forces successfully rescued nine individuals kidnapped in the Ekiti Local Government Area and neutralized three armed bandits during a coordinated operation.

According to a statement from Prince Dada Sunday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti Local Government Council Chairman, the operation took place in the Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora, and Osi regions of Ekiti LGA, which borders both Ekiti State and Niger State. The rescue was conducted by the Kwara State Forest Guards with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters, and vigilante groups.

The victims were reportedly abducted from the Eju community after a local market, and were being transported through the bush toward Niger State when the security team intervened.

Umaru Muazu, one of the rescued individuals from Obbo Aiyegunle, recounted the attack, stating, “Men came from nowhere and put a gun to my head. Four of them took me and my son. Fear gripped me and I fell to the ground. They also took my friend’s motorcycle.”

Another rescued victim, farmer Ibrahim Danga, confirmed that the group was held briefly before the security forces reached them.

Owolabi Adebayo, a member of the Kwara Forest Guards, explained that their team had been conducting intelligence-driven patrols when they engaged the bandits. “We neutralized three of them and rescued nine people. One of the victims is receiving treatment for injuries,” he reported.

Adebayo also noted that the bandits were heavily armed. “There is no type of firearm that is not in their hands. We need more equipment such as body armor, binoculars, night goggles, walkie-talkies, and more ammunition to confront them effectively,” he said.

Agbemuko Gabriel, the Chief Security Officer of Ekiti LGA, praised the efforts of the forest guards, recalling their recent success in a similar incident along the Ora-Yetoro axis. “They have been doing enough security and intelligence work for us, and we are happy for that,” Gabriel stated.

Reports from the scene included footage of security operatives with several motorcycles allegedly recovered from the bandits.

This operation aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping in the region. Recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of a new Army battalion in Umaro, Kwara South, to enhance security operations.

Authorities have indicated that bush combing and joint patrols will continue in Kwara South and surrounding areas to deter future attacks on farming communities.

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