Joint security forces have rescued nine abducted victims and killed three suspected bandits in Ekiti LGA of Kwara State.
The operation was carried out in the Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora and Osi axis of Ekiti LGA. This is a border area linking Kwara with Ekiti and Niger states.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Prince Dada Sunday, the operation involved the Kwara State Forest Guards, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and vigilante groups.
Security sources said the victims had been abducted from Eju community, located beyond the local market. They were being moved through the forest towards neighbouring Niger State before security operatives intercepted the kidnappers.
Victims Recount
One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo-Aiyegunle, recounted how the attack unfolded.
“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 and kidnapped us,” he said.
Another rescued farmer, Ibrahim Danga, confirmed that the victims had only been held for a short period before the security team launched the rescue operation.
A member of the Kwara Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, said the team was conducting an intelligence-led bush combing exercise when they encountered the armed group.
“We neutralised three of them and rescued nine people. One of the victims is receiving treatment for injuries,” he said.
Adebayo noted that the suspected bandits possessed more sophisticated weapons than the security personnel and appealed for additional equipment.
“There is no type of firearm that is not in their hand. We need more equipment such as body armour, binoculars, night goggles, walkie-talkies and more ammunition to confront them,” he said.
The Chief Security Officer of Ekiti LGA, Agbemuko Gabriel, praised the Forest Guards for their role in the successful operation.
“What they did for us two days ago, they are the ones who helped us rescue those people kidnapped along the Ora-Yetoro axis. They have been doing enough security and intelligence work for us, and we are happy for that,” he said.
Video footage released after the operation showed security personnel displaying several motorcycles reportedly recovered from the suspects.
The latest rescue comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to tackle banditry and kidnapping across the country.
Authorities also confirmed that approval has been granted for the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Umaro, Kwara South. This is to strengthen security operations in the region.
Security agencies said joint patrols and intelligence-driven bush combing operations would continue across Kwara South and neighbouring border communities.
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