The Kwara State Police Command has rescued a nursing mother, her nine-month-old baby, and five other abducted persons from kidnappers’ den after a fierce gun battle with bandits in a forest near Owa-Onire, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The joint operation, carried out on Wednesday by operatives attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser, police personnel, and local vigilantes, led to the safe release of the victims.
Confirming the development in a statement on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the operation followed sustained search-and-rescue efforts in response to recent abductions in the state.
“During the operation, security operatives encountered armed resistance from the kidnappers, leading to a fierce gun duel. The criminals were forced to abandon their hostages and escape deeper into the forest, while all seven victims were safely rescued,” Ejire-Adeyemi said.
Those rescued include Afusatu Alhaji Ladan and her infant son, Usman; Adam Khadijat, 23; Mamud Miriam, 24; Mumini Ahmed, 17; Hamadu Haruna, 44; and Abibat Umaru, 16.
The PPRO added that a vigilante member sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter but is receiving treatment and responding well.
Recovered items from the kidnappers’ hideout included three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 rifle magazines.
Ejire-Adeyemi further disclosed that the victims had been debriefed and reunited with their families. She also quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, as commending the gallantry of the security team, noting that the command would sustain its onslaught against criminal enclaves.
“The Command, in synergy with other security agencies, will sustain aggressive onslaughts against criminal hideouts until perpetrators of kidnapping and banditry are brought to justice,” Ojo was quoted as saying.
The police command urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
This latest rescue comes barely three months after troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade in Patigi arrested eight suspected kidnappers and freed two victims during a similar offensive, underlining the state’s continued battle against banditry and abduction.
