Police neutralize kidnappers, recover rifle in Ilorin
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin –
The Kwara State Police Command has neutralized a member of a kidnap gang during a fierce gun battle in Ilorin, recovering an AK-47 rifle loaded with 13 rounds of live ammunition, while other suspects fled into the bush and are currently being trailed.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in Ilorin on Tuesday.
The statement revealed that the incident followed the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Alhaji Dauda Isma’il, a 45-year-old transporter and farm produce merchant from Takare Area, Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.
It stated that on June 22, 2025, around 10:40 p.m., four armed men stormed the victim’s residence, shooting sporadically before abducting him and taking him to an unknown destination.
A joint response team comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, vigilantes, and local hunters was immediately mobilized for a bush combing operation to rescue the victim.
The statement further said that during a follow-up operation on June 23, 2025, at about 7:00 a.m., the search team engaged the kidnappers at Korori Village, leading to a gun duel.
Tragically, a vigilante member, Haruna Tasusuno, sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and later died at the General Hospital, Okuta. The kidnap victim, Alhaji Dauda Isma’il, was also found dead in the bush with multiple machete wounds.
The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State, CP Adekimi Ojo, commended the bravery of the operatives and sister agencies. He condoled with the families of the deceased and assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects while urging residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies.
