Troops rescue abducted victims in Kwara as Police foil bandits attack in Abuja
Security forces have intensified their onslaught against banditry across the country, recording major breakthroughs in Kwara State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, where troops and police operatives successfully rescued kidnap victims and foiled an attempted abduction.
In Kwara State, troops of 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued three kidnapped victims during sustained operations against bandits in parts of the state. The operation, conducted on Saturday, October 11, followed credible intelligence that led troops deployed at the Patrol Base Babanla to a suspected bandit hideout within the Babanla Forest.
Sources revealed that the troops rescued Mrs. Oluwabusayo Taiwo, 25, and her three-year-old son, Taiwo Irayomide, who were abducted at Oke-Ode on September 28. Both victims, found in stable condition, are receiving first aid treatment at the Patrol Base sick bay and will soon be reunited with their family.
In a separate operation along a suspected bandit route, troops on routine patrol also rescued a local tea seller, Mr. Mohammadu Sani, popularly known as “Mai Shayi,” aged 40, from Garkarima community. The bandits reportedly fled upon sighting the patrol team, abandoning the victim, who was found in a pool of blood. Troops recovered a dane gun and a cutlass from the scene, while Sani is currently receiving medical attention.
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The Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ezra Barkins, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens. He pledged continued offensive operations aimed at restoring peace and stability across Kwara State and its environs.
Similarly, in Abuja, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command foiled an attempted kidnapping by a notorious bandit gang and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a midnight operation on the outskirts of the city.
The operation, conducted between 9 p.m. on October 10 and 1 a.m. on October 11, followed credible intelligence from the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) of the Force Headquarters about a planned attack led by a gang leader identified as Idrisa, also known as Mai Duna.
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit laid an ambush along the rail track near Grow Home Estate, a location bordering the FCT and Niger State. The gang, divided into two groups targeting Grow Home Estate and Royal Champion Church in Chikakore, Byazhin District, was intercepted by the police.
A fierce gun battle ensued for about 20 minutes, after which the criminals were subdued, forcing many to flee with suspected gunshot wounds. An AK-47 rifle with a defaced breech number, one magazine, and a live round of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered during the mop-up operation.
Reinforcement from the military, DSS, and local hunters has since been deployed to the area to secure communities and block escape routes.
Sources said the Commissioner of Police assured residents of continued security presence and renewed commitment to maintaining peace and safety across the FCT. Meanwhile, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit has commenced further investigation to track down the fleeing suspects.
The latest operations underscore the synergy between the military and police in tackling banditry and kidnapping, reflecting renewed momentum in the nation’s internal security efforts.
By PRNigeria
