Nine kidnap victims rescued in Kwara

A joint security operation in Kwara State has successfully rescued nine individuals who had been abducted by suspected kidnappers. The operation, involving Kwara State Forest Guards, the State Security Service (SSS), local hunters, and vigilantes, took place in the Ekiti Local Government Area, near the border with Kogi State.

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The men came from nowhere and put a gun to my head. Four of them took my son and me. Fear gripped me, and I fell to the ground. They also took my friend’s motorcycle and kidnapped us.

During the operation, three suspected kidnappers were killed. Local authorities reported that the victims were abducted on a market day in Eju and were being transported through a forest route towards Niger State when security forces intercepted them. The rescue followed an intelligence-led operation targeting forests that connect Kwara with neighboring states.

One rescued victim, Umaru Muazu, recounted the terrifying experience of being seized at gunpoint along with his son. Another captive, Ibrahim Danga, noted that they had been with the kidnappers for only a short time before the security operatives arrived. A member of the Kwara Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, confirmed the neutralization of three suspects and the rescue of nine people, with one victim receiving medical treatment for injuries.

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We neutralised three of them and rescued nine people. One of the victims is receiving treatment for injuries.

Adebayo appealed for enhanced logistics and equipment, including firearms, body armor, binoculars, and night-vision goggles, to effectively counter the armed groups operating in the forests. The Chief Security Officer of Ekiti Local Government Area, Gabriel Agbemuko, praised the forest guards for their crucial role in the rescue and ongoing security efforts.

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There is no type of firearm that is not in their hands. We need more equipment such as body armour, binoculars, night-vision goggles, walkie-talkies and more ammunition to confront them.

The rescue occurs amidst a rise in kidnapping and violent attacks in several local government areas of Kwara State, including Ekiti. Recent reports highlight the displacement of residents from Owa-Onire town due to repeated attacks and the release of a traditional ruler and other residents after periods of captivity. The article also notes the death of another traditional ruler while in captivity.

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What they did for us two days ago, they are the ones who helped us rescue those people who were kidnapped along the Ora-Yetoro axis. They have been doing security and intelligence work for us, and we are happy for that.