THE Kwara State Police Command yesterday confirmed the rescue of seven kidnapped victims in a forest near Owa-Onire, Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The operation, coded, ‘Storm The Forest’ which was led by security operatives attached to the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in collaboration with police officers from Kwara command and vigilance groups, followed a sustained search-and-rescue efforts launched in the wake of recent kidnapping incidents in the state.
According to Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Kwaran Command spokesperson, at the heat of the operation, security operatives encountered armed resistance from the kidnappers, leading to exchange of fire powers lasting over one hour.
But the criminal elements were forced to abandon their hostages and escape deeper into the forest, leading to the rescue of all the seven victims. Ejire-Adeyemi disclosed that one vigilance personnel sustained gunshot injury, but responding to treatment in an undisclosed hospital in the state.
The rescued victims are;
Adams Khadijat 23 years old female of Oko, Mamud Miriam female 24yrs of Oko, a 17 years old male, Mumini Ahmed of Oko, Hamadu Haruna, 44 years old male of Ajase-Ipo, Afusatu Alhaji Ladan female and her 9-month-old son Usman Ladan, both from Omu-Aran and
Abibat Umaru 16yrs old female of Oke-Ode.
Items recovered from the criminal’s hideout include; 3 Motorcycles and 9 empty magazines of AK-47 rifles.
The rescued victims had been debriefed, and reunited with their families.
The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Adekimi Ojo applauded the gallantry and resilience displayed by the team involved in the operation. He assured that the Command, in synergy with other security agencies, would sustain aggressive onslaughts against criminal hideouts until perpetrators of kidnapping and banditry are brought to justice.
The Command urged residents of the state to remain calm but vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information to aid the ongoing operations.
///////////////////////////////