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By Abubakar Umar
The Kwara State Police Command has rescued seven kidnap victims following a joint security operation in a forest near Owa-Onire.
The operation, which took place on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, involved police officers, local vigilante groups, and operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
According to a statement from the Command, the rescue followed a targeted search after a series of kidnapping incidents in the area.
Security personnel engaged in a gun battle with the abductors, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee deeper into the forest.
The rescued victims include five adults and two children: Khadijat Adam, 23, from Oko; Mariam Mamud, 24, from Oko; Ahmed Mumini, 17, from Oko; Haruna Hamadu, 44, from Ajase-Ipo; Afusatu Ladan and her 9-month-old son, Usman, from Omu-Aran; and Abibat Umaru, 16, from Oke-Ode.
One vigilante member sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter and is receiving treatment.
Security forces also recovered three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 magazines from the scene.
All the rescued individuals have since been debriefed and reunited with their families.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, commended the joint team for their bravery and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain offensive operations against criminal hideouts across the state.
He stressed that the police will continue to work closely with other security agencies to curb kidnapping and banditry.
The Command urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and to provide timely, credible information that could support ongoing security operations.
Edited by Abdullahi Ahmed
