The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the successful rescue of seven kidnapped victims — including a woman and her nine-month-old baby — during a coordinated security operation conducted on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in a forest near Owa-Onire, Kwara State.
In a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the rescue followed a sustained search-and-rescue operation led by a security operative attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), in collaboration with police personnel and local vigilantes.
During the mission, the security team encountered armed resistance from the kidnappers, resulting in a fierce gun battle. The assailants were eventually forced to abandon their captives and flee deeper into the forest. All seven victims were rescued unharmed. One vigilante operative sustained a gunshot wound during the exchange and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The rescued individuals have been identified as:
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Adam Khadijat (23), from Oko
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Mamud Miriam (24), from Oko
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Mumini Ahmed (17), from Oko
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Hamadu Haruna (44), from Ajase-Ipo
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Afusatu Alhaji Ladan and her 9-month-old son, Usman Ladan, from Omu-Aran
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Abibat Umaru (16), from Oke-Ode
Security personnel also recovered three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 magazines from the kidnappers’ hideout.
The victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, commended the bravery and resilience of the security operatives involved in the operation. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal elements and assured the public that collaborative efforts with other security agencies will continue until all perpetrators of kidnapping and banditry are brought to justice.
