Seven kidnap victims have regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation in Kwara State that ended in a gun duel with bandits.
The rescue took place on Wednesday,on a forest near Owa-Onire. The operation was executed by a joint team comprising a security operative attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser, officers of the Kwara State Police Command, and members of the local vigilante.
The team moved into the forest after days of sustained search-and-rescue efforts in response to a string of recent abductions in the state. As the operatives advanced into the hideout, they came under heavy fire from the kidnappers.
A fierce gun battle ensued, during which the bandits were overpowered and forced to abandon their captives before retreating further into the forest.
Those rescued included 23-year-old Adam Khadijat, 24-year-old Mamud Miriam, 17-year-old Mumini Ahmed, and 44-year-old Hamadu Haruna.
Also freed were 16-year-old Abibat Umaru and 30-year-old Afusatu Alhaji Ladan, who was rescued alongside her nine-month-old baby, Usman. The victims hailed from different towns including Oko, Ajase-Ipo, Omu-Aran, and Oke-Ode.
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During the exchange of gunfire, one vigilante sustained an injury but was promptly evacuated for medical treatment and is responding positively.
In addition to the rescue, security operatives recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used by the kidnappers, along with nine empty AK-47 magazines from the abandoned camp.
The victims were later debriefed by the police and reunited with their families amid emotional scenes.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, commended the bravery and resilience of the team, describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and banditry in the state.
He emphasized that the Command, in synergy with other security agencies, will sustain aggressive operations to dismantle criminal hideouts and bring offenders to justice.
The police urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and to support security efforts by volunteering timely and credible information that can aid in the fight against crime.
Credibilenewsng.com
