A coordinated security operation in Nigeria’s north-central Kwara State has resulted in the rescue of nine kidnapped victims and the death of three suspected armed kidnappers during an intelligence-led mission.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) alongside Kwara State Forest Guards, local hunters, and community vigilantes in border communities within Ekiti Local Government Area. Security officials acted on intelligence that a group of more than 10 armed men had gathered several kidnapped victims from different locations and were moving them through forest routes.
A gun battle broke out when the joint security team intercepted the suspects. Three of the kidnappers were killed, while the remaining members of the group fled into the forest, abandoning their captives. The rescued victims included farmers who had been abducted from their farmlands as well as other victims taken from neighbouring Ekiti State.
One of the rescued victims sustained serious injuries after reportedly being attacked with a machete while resisting the abductors. Survivors described the frightening experience, saying heavily armed men suddenly emerged, forced them into the bush, and seized motorcycles during the abduction.
Officials involved in the operation praised the success of the intelligence-led mission but also called for improved equipment, including body armour, night-vision devices, communication tools, and additional ammunition, to strengthen future operations against armed criminal groups operating in remote forests.
The latest rescue highlights the continuing security challenges facing rural communities in parts of Nigeria, where authorities are increasing collaboration between intelligence agencies, local security groups, and community vigilantes to combat kidnapping and violent crime.
