The Kwara State Police Command has freed a woman, her infant son, and five other abducted persons after a coordinated security operation in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said in a statement on Thursday that the rescue took place on Wednesday during a joint mission involving personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser, state police officers and local vigilantes.
According to the statement, the team tracked the kidnappers to a forest close to Owa-Onire, where they encountered armed resistance. A fierce exchange of gunfire forced the bandits to abandon their captives and retreat further into the bush.
All seven victims — Afusatu Alhaji Ladan; her nine-month-old baby, Usman; Adam Khadijat (23); Mamud Miriam (24); Mumini Ahmed (17); Hamadu Haruna (44); and Abibat Umaru (16) — were rescued safely. One vigilante member sustained gunshot wounds but is recovering.
Security forces also recovered three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 magazines from the hideout.
Ejire-Adeyemi said the freed victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families. She quoted Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo as commending the officers and pledging continued joint operations against criminal enclaves in the state.
“The command will keep up its offensive until kidnapping and banditry are stamped out and those responsible face justice,” she added, urging residents to stay calm, remain vigilant and share credible information with security agencies.
This latest success follows an operation on June 22, 2025, when troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade at the Patigi Forward Operating Base arrested eight suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims at Latandaji Village. That mission, launched on credible intelligence, also yielded the recovery of two motorcycles and expended cartridges.
