Seven abductees freed in Kwara as police, vigilantes raid forest hideout
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin –
The Kwara State Police Command has rescued seven kidnap victims during a joint security operation in a forest near Owa-Onire, Kwara State, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
The operation, led by a security operative attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in collaboration with police officers and vigilantes, followed sustained search-and-rescue efforts launched after a series of recent abductions in the state.
Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday in Ilorin, said the security team encountered fierce resistance from the kidnappers, resulting in a gun battle. The criminals were forced to abandon their captives and flee deeper into the forest. All seven victims were rescued, while one vigilante sustained a gunshot injury and is responding to treatment.
The rescued victims are:
- Adam Khadijat (F), 23, of Oko.
- Mamud Miriam (F), 24, of Oko.
- Mumini Ahmed (M), 17, of Oko.
- Hamadu Haruna (M), 44, of Ajase-Ipo.
- Afusatu Alhaji Ladan (F) and her 9-month-old son, Usman Ladan, both from Omu-Aran.
- Abibat Umaru (F), 16, of Oke-Ode.
Items recovered from the kidnappers’ hideout included three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 magazines.
Ejire-Adeyemi noted that the victims had been debriefed and reunited with their families.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, commended the gallantry and resilience of the operatives and assured that the Command, working with other security agencies, would sustain aggressive operations against criminal hideouts until kidnappers and bandits are brought to justice.
The Command also urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and to continue providing timely and credible information to aid security efforts.
