Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), working alongside the Kwara State Forest Guards, local hunters and vigilantes, have neutralised three suspected bandits and rescued nine kidnapped victims during an intelligence-led operation in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The operation was carried out in the Obbo Aiyegunle, Ejiu Ora and Osi axis of Ekiti LGA, a border area between Kwara and Ekiti states known for criminal activities.
The rescued victims included farmers abducted from their farmlands as well as others kidnapped in neighbouring Ekiti State. They regained their freedom after the suspected kidnappers fled under heavy gunfire, abandoning their captives.
Confirming the operation on Wednesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government, Prince Dada Sunday, said actionable intelligence led security operatives to the kidnappers’ hideout.
According to him, the gang, which comprised more than 10 armed men, had assembled victims abducted from different locations before security personnel launched the rescue mission.
Sunday disclosed that one of the victims suffered severe head injuries after being attacked with a machete while resisting abduction.
One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo Aiyegunle, narrated his experience, saying he and his son were ambushed by armed men while going about their activities.
“They came from nowhere and pointed a gun at my head. Four of them took me and my son. They also seized my friend’s motorcycle before forcing us into the bush,” he said.
Another victim, Ibrahim Danga, said the captives had been held in the forest before security operatives stormed the area and engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle.
A member of the Kwara State Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, described the operation as intelligence-driven, confirming that three suspected bandits were killed while nine victims were rescued.
He, however, appealed for improved operational support, including body armour, binoculars, night-vision goggles, walkie-talkies and ammunition, to strengthen the fight against armed criminal groups operating in forested areas.