JUST IN: DSS, Forest Guards Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims, Kill Three Bandits in Kwara

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), working alongside the Kwara State Forest Guards, local hunters and vigilantes, have killed three suspected bandits and rescued nine abducted victims during a coordinated intelligence-led operation in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The operation followed actionable intelligence and was carried out in the Obbo Aiyegunle, Ejiu Ora and Osi axis of Ekiti LGA, a border community between Kwara and Ekiti states known for recurring kidnapping incidents.

The rescued victims included farmers abducted from their farmlands as well as other victims reportedly kidnapped in neighbouring Ekiti State.

According to available information, the victims regained their freedom after security operatives engaged the suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle, forcing the assailants to flee and abandon their captives.

Confirming the operation on Wednesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Area, Prince Dada Sunday, said intelligence gathered by security agencies was instrumental to the success of the rescue mission.

He disclosed that more than 10 suspected kidnappers had assembled victims abducted from different locations before they were overwhelmed by the joint security team.

Sunday added that one of the rescued victims sustained serious head injuries after he was attacked with a machete while resisting abduction.

One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo Aiyegunle, recounted the terrifying ordeal.

“They came from nowhere and pointed a gun to my head. Four of them took me and my son. They also took my friend’s motorcycle before marching us into the bush,” he said.

Another rescued farmer, Ibrahim Danga, said the victims had been held captive before security operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout and secured their release.

A member of the Kwara State Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, said the operation was driven by credible intelligence.

“We neutralised three of them and rescued nine victims. They were heavily armed and possessed different types of firearms. We need more operational equipment, including body armour, binoculars, night vision goggles, walkie-talkies and ammunition to effectively confront them,” he said.

The operation underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies and local security outfits to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in border communities across Kwara State.