DSS, forest guards rescue two kidnap victims, kill bandits in Kwara

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

A joint security team comprising operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and forest guards on Thursday rescued two kidnap victims during an operation in a forest between the Oba Isin and Owa Onire communities in Isin and Ifelodun local government areas of Kwara State.

The rescued victims were identified as 16-year-old Fatima Azeez and five-year-old Ibrahim Azeez. They were freed during the operation without further details on the circumstances of their abduction.

According to a security report made available to journalists in Ilorin, the operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout as part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.

During the operation, the security team engaged the suspected bandits in a gun battle, resulting in the deaths of two of the suspects. Others reportedly escaped into the forest with gunshot injuries.

Meanwhile, the operatives recovered several items believed to belong to the criminal gang. The recovered exhibits included an AK-47 rifle, a single-barrel gun and a fully loaded magazine containing nine rounds of ammunition.

The team also recovered a mini solar panel and food items, which were believed to have been used by the suspects while hiding in the forest.

According to the report, the operation formed part of the government’s ongoing multi-agency counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping campaign aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and improving security across the state.

The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining coordinated security operations across Kwara, assuring residents that efforts would continue to rid the state of kidnappers and other criminal elements.