DSS, Forest Guards Neutralise Three Suspected Bandits, Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims in Kwara

An intelligence-led security operation involving operatives of the Department of State Services, Kwara State Forest Guards, local hunters and vigilantes has led to the rescue of nine abducted persons and the killing of three suspected bandits in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The operation was carried out in the Obbo Aiyegunle, Ejiu Ora and Osi communities along the Kwara–Ekiti border, following intelligence reports on the activities of suspected kidnappers in the area.

The rescued victims were said to include farmers abducted from their farmlands in Kwara State as well as other captives allegedly taken from neighbouring Ekiti State.

Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Area, Prince Dada Sunday, confirmed the operation, saying actionable intelligence enabled security operatives to locate the kidnappers and launch the rescue mission.

According to him, the armed gang, reportedly comprising more than 10 members, had assembled victims abducted from different locations before they were confronted by the joint security team.

He disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained severe machete injuries to the head while resisting abduction.

One of the victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo Aiyegunle, recounted that he and his son were seized by armed men while on their way.

“They came from nowhere and pointed a gun at my head. Four of them took me and my son. They also seized my friend’s motorcycle before marching us into the bush,” he said.

Another rescued victim, Ibrahim Danga, said the captives had been held in the forest until security personnel stormed the location and engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle.

A member of the Kwara Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, said the operation resulted in the neutralisation of three suspected bandits and the successful rescue of all nine victims.

He, however, called for improved logistics and operational equipment for personnel on the frontline, including body armour, binoculars, night-vision goggles, communication gadgets and additional ammunition to strengthen ongoing efforts against criminal groups.

The latest operation underscores continuing joint security efforts to combat kidnapping and banditry in communities along the Kwara–Ekiti border, an area that has witnessed repeated attacks by armed criminal groups in recent years.