Police rescue Kwara monarch, two others, kill kidnapper

The Kwara State Police Command has successfully rescued the Onigbesi of Igbesi, Oba Moses Omotayo, along with two other individuals who had been kidnapped. The monarch and the other victims were abducted on August 22, 2026, in the Igbesi community, Isin Local Government Area.

The rescue operation, which took place around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis, was initiated after a vigilante reported a gunshot injury sustained by one of his men in the bush. A combined team of police, military personnel, and vigilantes swiftly responded to the intelligence.

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On sighting the advancing security team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire during which one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, forcing the remaining members of the gang to flee into the surrounding terrain.

Upon encountering the security team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire. During the confrontation, one kidnapper was killed, and the remaining gang members fled into the surrounding terrain. Security forces pursued the fleeing criminals and successfully rescued Oba Omotayo, Maryam Abubakar, and Aisha Ilyasu. The victims were taken to a hospital for medical attention and are reported to be safe.

Police Commissioner Ojo Adekimi commended the operatives involved in the operation, describing it as a result of intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping gang, and security operations continue in identified flashpoints across the state. The command reiterated its commitment to eradicating criminal activities and urged the public to provide timely information.

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The Commissioner reiterates that there will be no safe haven for kidnappers and other violent criminals in Kwara State, and calls on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.