The Kwara State Police Command has rescued seven kidnap victims, including a woman and her nine-month-old baby, after a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in a forest near Owa-Onire, Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The hostages—identified as Afusatu Alhaji Ladan and her baby, Usman; Adam Khadijat, 23; Mamud Miriam, 24; Mumini Ahmed, 17; Hamadu Haruna, 44; and Abibat Umaru, 16—were freed on Wednesday during a coordinated operation involving operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, police officers, and vigilante groups.
Confirming the development in a statement on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the rescue mission followed a sustained search-and-rescue effort in response to recent abductions across 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,” the spokesperson said.
A vigilante member sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange but is reported to be responding to treatment. Security forces recovered three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 magazines from the bandits’ hideout.
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The rescued victims have since been debriefed and reunited with their families. The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, commended the joint security team for their gallantry and vowed to sustain aggressive operations against criminal hideouts until kidnappers and bandits are brought to justice.
The Command further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to support ongoing operations.
The rescue comes just months after troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Patigi, arrested eight suspected kidnappers and freed two hostages during an operation in Latandaji Village on June 22, 2025, underscoring the persistence of kidnapping activities in Kwara State.