Men of the Kwara State Police Command have rescued seven kidnap victims in a forest near Owa – Onire in the state’s southern district.
The Command achieved the feat on Wednesday, through a joint security operation led by a security operative from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja.
The rescued victims include Adam Khadijat, Mamud Miriam, Mumini Ahmed, Hamadu Haruna, Afusatu Ladan, Usman Ladan and Abibat Umaru.
Spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the rescue of the kidnap victims in a statement on Thursday.
Ejire-Adeyemi added that the operation was carried out by the policemen and members of vigilante groups.
The statement reads: “The Kwara State Police Command confirms the successful rescue of seven kidnap victims in a joint security operation carried out on Wednesday, 24th September, 2025, in a forest near Owa-Onire, Kwara State.
”The operation, which was led by a Security operative attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in collaboration with police officers and vigilante, followed a sustained search-and-rescue efforts launched in the wake of recent kidnapping incidents in the state; stormed the forest.”
She disclosed that security operatives encountered armed resistance from the kidnappers during the operation, leading to a fierce gun duel.
Ejire-Adeyemi stressed that the criminals were forced to abandon their hostages and escape deeper into the forest, while all seven victims were safely rescued.
Meanwhile, one of the vigilante personnel sustained gunshot injury during the encounter and was responding to treatment.
Items recovered from the criminal’s hideout include 3 motorcycles and 9 empty magazines of AK-47 rifles.
Police said that the rescued victims had been debriefed, and reunited with their families.
Ejire-Adeyemi said the Commissioner of Police of the Command, CP Adekimi Ojo applauded the gallantry and resilience displayed by the team involved in the operation.
CP Ojo assured that the Command, in synergy with other security agencies, would sustain aggressive onslaughts against criminal hideouts until perpetrators of kidnapping and banditry were brought to justice.
The Command urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
