30/07/2026
BREAKING: Forest Guards Strike Again as Nine Kidnap Victims Regain Freedom, Three Bandits Killed in Kwara
Nine abducted persons have been rescued, while three suspected bandits were neutralised during a joint security operation in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Kwara News Update gathered that the operation was carried out by members of the Kwara Forest Guards in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes after reports of an attack on residents in the Obbo-Aiyegunle and Ora-Aiyetoro communities.
According to an official statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Area, Prince Dada Sunday, the armed men were moving from neighbouring Ekiti State with victims they had earlier abducted when they launched fresh attacks on farmers working on their farmlands within Kwara State.
The statement explained that the Office of the Forest Guards in Ekiti Local Government Area immediately mobilised operatives after receiving information about the incident.
The security team reportedly intercepted the suspected bandits in the forest between Obbo-Ile and Ora-Aiyetoro as the criminals attempted to move the victims across the border.
During the ensuing exchange of gunfire, three of the suspects were killed, while all nine abducted victims were successfully rescued.
One of the victims reportedly sustained injuries after being attacked with a machete while attempting to resist abduction. He is currently receiving medical treatment.
Speaking after the operation, one of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu, recounted how the attack occurred.
According to him, armed men suddenly emerged and abducted him alongside his son while they were returning from the market.
Another victim, Ibrahim Danga, expressed gratitude to the forest guards and other security personnel for their swift intervention.
A member of the Kwara Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, disclosed that the attackers were heavily armed and appealed for additional operational equipment, including body armour, binoculars, night-vision devices, communication equipment, and ammunition.
The Chief Security Officer of Ekiti Local Government Area, Agbemuko Gabriel, also commended the operatives for their courage, professionalism, and timely response to the incident.
Videos from the scene showed security operatives displaying several motorcycles allegedly recovered from the suspects, while the rescued victims were seen receiving assistance.
The operation comes amid intensified security operations across Kwara South and follows the recent approval of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Omu-Aran as part of efforts to strengthen security across the region.
Security agencies have assured residents that surveillance, intelligence gathering, and patrol operations will continue across border communities to curb criminal activities and protect lives and property.
