Police rescue abducted monarch, two others in Kwara
Kwara State Police Command successfully rescued Oba Moses Oyinloye Omotayo, the Onigbesi of Onigbesi Community, along with two other individuals abducted in Isin Local Government Area. The rescue operation occurred near the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of Kwara State and resulted in the neutralization of one kidnapper.
The victims were kidnapped in Igbesi on August 22, 2026. The operation highlights the police command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and dismantling criminal networks in the region.
The rescue was initiated after a report at approximately 10 a.m. from Mr. Abdul, a vigilante member. He informed the Oro Police Station that one of his associates had suffered a gunshot wound while patrolling the area around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.
In response, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Oro led a combined team of police officers, military personnel, and vigilantes to the site. Upon their arrival, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire that led to the neutralization of one suspect. The remaining kidnappers fled into the surrounding area.
The security team pursued the fleeing suspects and successfully rescued the three abducted individuals, who were identified as Maryam Abubakar and Aisha Ilyasu, along with Oba Omotayo. The victims were promptly taken to a hospital for medical attention and are reported to be safe, according to police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi.
“The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration, and rapid operational response in confronting violent crime and protecting vulnerable citizens,” Adeyemi stated.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi praised the courage and professionalism exhibited by the officers and their partners involved in the operation. He reiterated the command’s dedication to tracking down and apprehending the fleeing members of the kidnapping gang while maintaining vigilance in identified high-risk areas.
The Commissioner emphasized that there will be no safe haven for kidnappers and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
