A coordinated security operation has led to the killing of three bandits and rescue of nine kidnap victims in Kwara State.
The successful operation involved Forest Guards, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and vigilantes.
The operation was launched on Monday, following credible intelligence, that bandits were moving the victims in the Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora and Osi communities along the Kwara border with Ekiti and Niger States.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Prince Dada Sunday, the victims were abducted shortly after the Eju community market closed and were being moved through the forest towards neighbouring Niger State before security operatives intercepted the kidnappers.
One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo-Aiyegunle, narrated his ordeal, saying the kidnappers struck unexpectedly.
“Men came from nowhere and put a gun to my head. Four of them took me and my son.
“Fear gripped me and I fell to the ground. They also took my friend’s motorcycle and kidnapped us,” he said.
Another victim, Ibrahim Danga, also from Obbo-Aiyegunle, confirmed that they had spent only a short time in captivity before security personnel stormed the area and secured their freedom.
A member of the Kwara Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, disclosed that the rescue followed an intelligence-led bush-combing operation.
“We neutralized three of them and rescued nine people. One of the victims is receiving treatment for injuries,” Adebayo said.
He, however, appealed for improved operational support, noting that the armed criminals possessed sophisticated weapons.
“There is no type of firearm that is not in their hand. We need more equipment such as body armour, binoculars, night goggles, walkie-talkies and more ammunition to confront them,” he added.
The Chief Security Officer of Ekiti Local Government Area, Agbemuko Gabriel, praised the Forest Guards and other security personnel for their swift intervention.
“What they did for us two days ago, they are the ones that helped us rescue those people that were kidnapped along the Ora-Yetoro axis.
” They have been doing enough security and intelligence work for us and we are happy for that,” Gabriel said.
Security operatives also recovered several motorcycles believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing bandits during the operation, while the rescued victims were later presented to the public.
The latest success comes as security agencies intensify efforts to curb kidnapping and banditry across Kwara’s border communities.
Authorities also disclosed that a new Nigerian Army battalion has been approved for Umaro in Kwara South to strengthen security presence and enhance ongoing operations in vulnerable areas.
Officials added that sustained bush-combing exercises and joint patrols would continue across Kwara South and adjoining border communities to protect residents and farming settlements from further attacks.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
