The Kwara State Police Command says seven kidnap victims have been rescued following a joint security operation that led to a gun battle with bandits in a forest near Owa-Onire, Kwara State.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, involved security personnel attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser, police officers, and local vigilantes.
According to police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the team launched the raid after sustained search-and-rescue efforts in response to recent kidnapping incidents in the state.
During the confrontation, the kidnappers opened fire on the security team, sparking a fierce exchange of gunshots.
The armed men later abandoned their captives and fled deeper into the forest. One vigilante sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
Those rescued were identified as Adam Khadijat, 23, of Oko; Mamud Miriam, 24, of Oko; Mumini Ahmed, 17, of Oko; Hamadu Haruna, 44, of Ajase-Ipo; Afusatu Alhaji Ladan and her nine-month-old son, Usman Ladan, from Omu-Aran and Abibat Umaru, 16, of Oke-Ode
“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 statement said.
Recovered from the kidnappers’ hideout were three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 magazines.
Police said the victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, commended the operatives’ resilience and vowed that security agencies would continue sustained onslaughts on criminal hideouts until kidnappers and bandits are brought to justice.
The command urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and to provide timely information that could aid ongoing operations.
