The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of seven kidnap victims after a heated gun battle with bandits in a forest near Owa-Onire. The joint operation, which took place on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, involved police officers, operatives attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser, and local vigilantes.
Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi explained that the raid followed weeks of intense search-and-rescue missions triggered by rising kidnapping incidents in the state. When the security team stormed the forest, the kidnappers opened fire, sparking a fierce exchange of gunshots.
Outgunned and overwhelmed, the bandits abandoned their captives and fled deeper into the bush. Sadly, one vigilante sustained gunshot wounds during the operation and is currently receiving treatment. The rescued victims include 23-year-old Adam Khadijat, 24-year-old Mamud Miriam, 17-year-old Mumini Ahmed, 44-year-old Hamadu Haruna, 16-year-old Abibat Umaru, and a mother with her nine-month-old baby, Afusatu and Usman Ladan.
Recovered from the kidnappers’ camp were three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 magazines, suggesting the criminals escaped in a hurry. Police said the freed victims have since been debriefed and reunited with their families, who were overwhelmed with relief.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, commended the bravery of the operatives and assured residents that security agencies will keep up the pressure on criminal hideouts until kidnappers and bandits are wiped out. The command urged the public to stay calm, remain vigilant, and share timely information that could aid security operations.
