Security Operatives Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims After Fierce Gun Battle in Kwara Forest

Seven kidnap victims have been rescued by security operatives in Kwara State following a heavy exchange of gunfire with bandits in the forest.

The operation, carried out on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, took place in a forest near Owa-Onire after days of sustained search efforts.

According to the Kwara State Police Command, the joint operation involved officers of the Nigeria Police, a security operative attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser, and local vigilantes.

The rescue operation was carried out followed recent reports of abductions in parts of the state.

The kidnappers reportedly opened fire on the advancing team, but the superior firepower of the operatives forced them to flee into the forest, abandoning their captives.

A vigilante sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation and is currently responding to treatment.

Those rescued include 23-year-old Khadijat Adam and 24-year-old Miriam Mamud, both from Oko; 17-year-old Ahmed Mumini, also from Oko; 44-year-old Haruna Hamadu from Ajase-Ipo; 16-year-old Abibat Umaru from Oke-Ode; and Mrs. Afusatu Alhaji Ladan with her nine-month-old baby, Usman, from Omu-Aran.

Items recovered from the kidnappers’ camp include three motorcycles and nine empty magazines of AK-47 rifles. The victims have since been debriefed and reunited with their families.

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, praised the resilience and courage of the operatives.

“This rescue shows our commitment to ensuring that no criminal will find a safe haven in Kwara. We will continue to raid their hideouts and bring them to justice,” he assured.

He further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that collaboration is key to sustaining the fight against kidnapping and banditry..