DSS, Forest Guards Rescue 9 Hostages, Kill 3 Bandits in Kwara
The Department of State Services (DSS), in a coordinated intelligence-led operation with the Kwara State Forest Guards, local hunters and vigilante groups, has neutralised three suspected bandits and rescued nine kidnapped victims during a gun battle in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted in the Obbo Aiyegunle, Ejiu Ora and Osi axis of Ekiti LGA, a forested corridor along the Kwara–Ekiti border, following credible intelligence on the activities of an armed kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.
According to the sources, the gang, believed to comprise more than 10 members, had assembled several abductees from different locations, including farmers kidnapped from their farmlands in Kwara State and victims earlier abducted in neighbouring Ekiti State, before security operatives stormed their hideout.
On sighting the advancing security team, the suspects reportedly opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. However, the operatives overpowered the criminals with superior firepower, killing three of the bandits. The remaining members of the gang fled into the forest with varying degrees of injuries, abandoning their captives.
All nine victims were rescued alive during the operation. One of the victims, who reportedly sustained severe head injuries after being attacked with a machete while resisting abduction, is receiving medical treatment.
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Confirming the operation, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Area, Prince Dada Sunday, said the success was made possible by actionable intelligence gathered by security agencies.
He commended the DSS, Kwara State Forest Guards, local hunters and vigilante operatives for their swift and coordinated response, noting that their intervention prevented the victims from being moved deeper into the forest.
One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo Aiyegunle, recounted his ordeal, saying he and his son were abducted by armed men while working on their farm.
“They emerged suddenly and pointed a gun at my head. Four of them took my son and me. They also seized my friend’s motorcycle before forcing us into the bush,” he said.
Another rescued farmer, Ibrahim Danga, said the victims had remained in captivity until security operatives launched the rescue mission.
A member of the Kwara State Forest Guards who participated in the operation, Owolabi Adebayo, said the mission was driven by credible intelligence and demonstrated the value of inter-agency collaboration.
“We neutralised three of the bandits and rescued nine victims. They were heavily armed with different types of firearms. However, we require more operational equipment, including body armour, binoculars, night-vision goggles, walkie-talkies and adequate ammunition to strengthen our capacity to combat these criminal elements effectively,” he said.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while surveillance has been intensified across the Kwara–Ekiti forest corridor to prevent the regrouping of criminal elements operating along the border.
By PRNigeria
