By Ayomide Otitoju
A joint security team has rescued nine abducted persons and killed three suspected bandits during a coordinated operation in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The operation was carried out in the Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora and Osi axis of the local government, which borders Ekiti and Niger states.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Prince Dada Sunday, the rescue mission was conducted by the Kwara State-recruited Forest Guards in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and vigilantes.
Security sources said the victims were abducted from Eju community after the local market and were being taken through the forest towards Niger State before the security team intercepted the kidnappers.
One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo-Aiyegunle, recounted that the attack occurred at about 4:57 p.m.
According to him, armed men suddenly emerged, held him at gunpoint and abducted him alongside his son after seizing a motorcycle belonging to his friend.
Another victim, Ibrahim Danga, also from Obbo-Aiyegunle, confirmed that they were held captive for a short period before security operatives rescued them.
A member of the Kwara Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, said the operation followed credible intelligence gathered during a bush-combing exercise.
He disclosed that three suspected bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while all nine victims were rescued. He added that one of the victims sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
Adebayo, however, appealed for improved operational equipment, including body armour, binoculars, night-vision goggles, walkie-talkies and additional ammunition, noting that the bandits were heavily armed.
The Chief Security Officer of Ekiti Local Government Area, Agbemuko Gabriel, commended the Forest Guards for their role in the operation, describing their intelligence gathering and security efforts as commendable.
Recovered motorcycles believed to belong to the suspected bandits were displayed after the operation alongside the rescued victims.
The rescue comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping across the country.
Authorities also disclosed that a new Nigerian Army battalion has been approved for Umaro in Kwara South to strengthen security operations in the area.
Security agencies said joint patrols and bush-combing operations would continue across Kwara South and neighbouring border communities to prevent further attacks on residents and farming communities.
