Forest guards, DSS rescue nine kidnap victims in Kwara

Nine abducted people have been rescued in Kwara State after a joint security operation involving forest guards, DSS operatives, hunters and vigilantes intercepted suspected kidnappers in Ekiti Local Government Area.

The rescue happened around the Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora and Osi axis, an area close to the Ekiti and Kogi borders. The same operation also left three suspected bandits dead, according to reports carried by Punch, Vanguard and Premium Times.

Punch reported that the victims were taken from Eju community after a local market and were being moved through a forest route toward Niger State before the security team caught up with the gang.

The report said the operation followed intelligence-led bush-combing by Kwara forest guards, the DSS, local hunters and vigilantes. One rescued victim, Umaru Muazu of Obbo-Aiyegunle, said attackers seized him and his son at gunpoint. Another rescued victim, Ibrahim Danga, said the captives had only been held briefly before security operatives arrived.

Vanguard also reported that DSS operatives and local security personnel killed three suspected bandits and rescued nine victims during a gun battle in the same local government area. Premium Times confirmed the same rescue and the killing of three suspected kidnappers.

The reports did not give the full names of all nine rescued victims or say whether any security operative was injured during the operation.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard, Premium Times