Three suspected bandits were killed and nine kidnap victims rescued during a joint security operation in Ekiti LGA of Kwara State.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Department
of State Services (DSS) in collaboration with the Kwara State Forest Guards,
local hunters and vigilantes, followed intelligence on the activities of an
armed kidnapping syndicate operating in forests bordering Kwara and Ekiti.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency
publication, the security team raided the gang’s hideout in the Obbo Aiyegunle,
Ejiu Ora and Osi axis of Ekiti LGA, where the suspects had allegedly assembled
victims abducted from different locations.
The publication reported that the armed gang, believed to
comprise more than 10 members, had held farmers kidnapped from their farmlands
in Kwara as well as other victims abducted in neighbouring Ekiti state.
The operation reportedly turned into a gun battle after the
suspects opened fire on the advancing security operatives.
“The bandits engaged the operatives in a fierce gun battle
but were overwhelmed by superior firepower,” the publication quoted sources as
saying.
“Three of the suspects were neutralised, while the remaining
members of the gang fled into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of
injuries, abandoning their captives.”
All nine victims were rescued alive during the operation.
One of the rescued victims reportedly sustained severe head
injuries after he was attacked with a machete while resisting abduction. He is
receiving medical treatment.
Dada Sunday, chief press secretary to the chairman of Ekiti
LGA, confirmed the operation, saying it was based on actionable intelligence
gathered by security agencies.
He commended the operatives for their swift response, noting
that the intervention prevented the kidnappers from moving the victims deeper
into the forest.
Umaru Muazu, one of the rescued victims, said he and his son
were abducted by armed men while working on their farm.
Another victim, Ibrahim Danga, said they had been held
captive until security operatives stormed the hideout and secured their
freedom.
Owolabi Adebayo, an operative of the Kwara State Forest
Guards, called for more operational equipment to strengthen the fight against
kidnappers and other criminal elements operating in the forest.
The publication added that security agencies have
intensified surveillance across the Kwara-Ekiti forest corridor as efforts
continue to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
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