Nine persons abducted by suspected kidnappers have been rescued during a coordinated security operation involving the Kwara State Forest Guards, the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and vigilante groups in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Three suspected kidnappers were reportedly killed during the operation, which was carried out in the Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora and Osi communities near the Kwara-Kogi border.
According to a statement issued by the spokesman for the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Sunday Dada, the victims were kidnapped on a market day in Eju and were being marched through a forest route towards neighbouring Niger State when security personnel intercepted the abductors.
The statement explained that the successful rescue followed an intelligence-driven operation targeting criminal hideouts in the forests connecting Kwara with neighbouring states.
One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu, recounted the ordeal, saying he and his son were seized at gunpoint by the attackers.
"The men appeared suddenly and pointed a gun at my head. Four of them took my son and me. I was terrified and fell to the ground. They also stole my friend's motorcycle before taking us away," he said.
Another victim, Ibrahim Danga, said the abductees had spent only a short time in captivity before security operatives stormed the area and secured their freedom.
A member of the Kwara State Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, disclosed that three of the suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with the joint security team.
"We neutralised three of them and rescued nine kidnapped victims. One of those rescued sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical attention," he said.
Adebayo, however, called on the government to provide additional logistics and modern equipment to enhance the effectiveness of security operations against armed criminal gangs operating in the state's forests.
"There is hardly any type of firearm these criminals do not possess. We need body armour, binoculars, night-vision devices, walkie-talkies and sufficient ammunition to confront them effectively," he added.
Also speaking, the Chief Security Officer of Ekiti Local Government Area, Gabriel Agbemuko, praised the Forest Guards for their commitment and bravery, describing their contribution as crucial to the success of the rescue mission.
"They played a major role in rescuing the victims abducted along the Ora-Yetoro axis. They have continued to provide valuable intelligence and security support, and we appreciate their efforts," he said.
The latest rescue operation comes amid growing concerns over the rising wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across several parts of Kwara State, particularly in Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Edu and Kaiama local government areas, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger security measures.
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