Seven kidnap victims have been rescued in Kwara State following a joint security operation in a forest near Owa-Onire. The operation took place on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and involved police officers, vigilante groups, and operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
According to a statement from the Kwara State Police Command, the rescue followed a targeted search effort after a series of kidnapping incidents in the area. During the operation, security personnel engaged in a gunfight with the kidnappers. The armed suspects fled deeper into the forest, abandoning their hostages.
The rescued victims include five adults and two children: Khadijat Adam, 23, from Oko; Miriam Mamud, 24, from Oko; Ahmed Mumini, 17, from Oko; Haruna Hamadu, 44, from Ajase-Ipo; Afusatu Ladan and her 9-month-old son, Usman, from Omu-Aran and Abibat Umaru, 16, from Oke-Ode.
One vigilante member sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter and is receiving treatment.
Security forces recovered three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 magazines from the scene. All rescued individuals have been debriefed and reunited with their families.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Adekimi Ojo, praised the team’s effort and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to targeting criminal hideouts. He said the police would continue to work closely with other security agencies to curb kidnapping and banditry in the state.
The police urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to provide credible information that could support ongoing security operations.
