Kwara Police engage kidnappers in shootout, rescue 13 victims – Official

The Police Command in Kwara says it rescued 13 kidnap victims in a swift and coordinated operation in the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, said this in a statement on Saturday in Ilorin.

According to Ms Ejire-Adeyemi, the achievement demonstrates the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the state.

He said a joint operation involving the police and the Oke-Ero Local Government Security Initiative personnel rescued the victims, who were forcefully abducted by armed assailants on their way to a wedding in Kogi.

“The Kwara State Police Command has achieved yet another remarkable success in its fight against criminal activities with the rescue of 13 kidnapped victims following a distress call on December 21, 2024.

“Acting on credible intelligence and with the support of local informants, the security operatives swiftly mobilised to the suspects’ hideout located in the Idofin-Igbana area.

“Upon sighting the security team, the kidnappers, six in number and some dressed in military uniforms engaged the operatives in a gun battle but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the rescue team.

“The suspects fled the scene with various degrees of injuries, abandoning their captives in the process,” he said.

According to him, the rescued victims include three females and 10 males from various locations, including Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero LGA, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, and a group of trailer drivers enroute to Kogi.

“While two victims sustained minor gunshot injuries, all other victims were immediately provided with medical care at a nearby hospital, stabilised, and subsequently reunited with their families, Ms Ejire-Adeyemi said.

She quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, as commending the resilience and swift response of the operatives.

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“Olaiya expressed gratitude to the local communities for the timely provision of credible information.

“The CP assured the public of the command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against criminality in all forms,” the command’s spokesperson said.

The CP urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines 07032069501 or 08125275046.

(NAN)