Gun duel as Police rescue mother, baby, five Others from Kwara Kidnappers

Gun duel as police rescue mother, baby, five others from Kwara kidnappers

 

 

The Kwara State Police Command has rescued a woman, Afusatu Alhaji Ladan, her nine-month-old baby, Usman, and five other abducted persons after a fierce exchange of gunfire with kidnappers in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

 

The victims regained freedom on Wednesday in a coordinated operation carried out by operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser, policemen, and vigilante members.

 

Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement made available to Patriotic Insights News on Thursday, said the rescue was the outcome of sustained search-and-rescue operations launched in response to recent abductions around Owa-Onire forest.

 

She said: “During the operation, security operatives came under heavy fire from the kidnappers. A fierce gun battle ensued, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee deeper into the forest. All seven victims were rescued unhurt.”

 

A vigilante member, however, sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment.

 

Those freed alongside the nursing mother and her baby include Khadijat Adam, 23; Miriam Mamud, 24; Ahmed Mumini, 17; Haruna Hamadu, 44; and Abibat Umaru, 16.

 

Items recovered from the hideout include three motorcycles and nine empty magazines of AK-47 rifles.

 

Ejire-Adeyemi disclosed that the victims have since been debriefed and reunited with their families.

 

Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, commended the gallantry of the joint security team, vowing to sustain the crackdown on criminal enclaves across the state.

 

“The Command, working with other security agencies, will continue to launch aggressive operations until kidnappers and bandits terrorising our communities are brought to justice,” the CP said.

 

He urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and to provide timely intelligence that could aid security efforts.

 

In June, troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade deployed in Patigi Local Government Area arrested eight suspected kidnappers and freed two victims during a similar intelligence-led operation.