A joint security team has rescued nine kidnapped victims and neutralised three suspected bandits during a coordinated operation in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Prince Dada Sunday, the operation was carried out in the Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora and Osi axis of Ekiti LGA, which borders Ekiti State and Niger State.
The operation involved Kwara State Forest Guards, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and vigilantes.
Security sources disclosed that the victims were abducted from Eju community, located beyond the local market, and were being taken through the forest toward Niger State before security operatives intercepted the kidnappers.
One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu from Obbo Aiyegunle, said the attack happened at about 4:57 p.m.
“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,” Muazu told reporters.
Another rescued victim, Ibrahim Danga, also from Obbo Aiyegunle, confirmed that they had been held captive for a short period before the security team launched the rescue operation.
A member of the Kwara Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, explained that the operation was intelligence-led and formed part of an ongoing bush-combing exercise.
“We neutralised three of them and rescued nine people. One of the victims is receiving treatment for injuries,” Adebayo said.
He, however, noted that the bandits possessed superior firepower and appealed for additional operational equipment.
“There is no type of firearm that is not in their hand. We need more equipment such as body armor, binoculars, night goggles, walkie-talkies and more ammunition to confront them.”
The Chief Security Officer of Ekiti Local Government Area, Agbemuko Gabriel, praised the forest guards for their swift response and dedication to protecting communities.
“What they did for us two days ago, they are the ones that helped us rescue those people that were kidnapped along Ora-Yetoro axis. They have been doing enough security and intelligence work for us, and we are happy for that,” Gabriel said.
Footage from the operation showed security operatives displaying several motorcycles reportedly recovered from the suspected bandits, while the rescued victims were also presented.
The successful operation comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to tackle banditry and kidnapping across the country.
Authorities also disclosed that approval has been granted for the establishment of a new Army battalion in Umaro, Kwara South, to strengthen security operations in the area.
Security agencies said joint patrols and bush-combing operations will continue across Kwara South and neighbouring border communities to curb further attacks on residents and farming communities.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
