Security team raids kidnappers’ den in Ekiti forest, nabs one, rescues two

By Boye Oyeyemi

A joint security operation involving the police, military, Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes has rescued two kidnapped persons and arrested a suspected kidnapper during a forest raid along the Ekiti-Kogi border.

The operation, conducted on Monday, targeted a suspected kidnappers’ camp located in a forest between Irele-Ekiti in Ekiti State and Ogbe in Kogi State, as disclosed by the Ekiti State Police Command.

Police sources said security operatives came under gunfire after discovering the hideout, leading to an exchange of fire with the suspects. Eventually, one suspect was arrested, while others reportedly escaped deeper into the forest.

The rescued victims, identified as Iorfa Solomon, 35, and Blessing Kingsley, 37, were found unharmed and safely recovered from the camp.

Preliminary findings showed that the victims were abducted on June 4 while working at a bar in Ikoyi, Kogi State. They told investigators that about eight armed men invaded the premises at night, fired shots into the air and whisked them away into the forest.

The police identified the arrested suspect as Abubakar Kabiru, who allegedly confessed to taking part in the abduction. The victims also reportedly identified him as one of the kidnappers who held them captive.

Investigators said the suspect provided information on seven other gang members currently at large, prompting an ongoing manhunt by security agencies.

Reacting, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, commended the collaboration among security agencies and vigilantes, describing the operation as a major breakthrough. He assured residents that efforts to dismantle criminal camps and improve security across the state would continue.