Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
No fewer than 22 persons abducted from various communities in Kwara South Senatorial District have regained their freedom following a fierce and coordinated security operation by the Kogi State Joint Security Forces along the forest belt bordering Kwara and Kogi states. The operation, which took place on Saturday, 4 July 2026, involved personnel from the Military, Police, Hunters, and Vigilante groups, whose sustained offensive reportedly mounted intense pressure on the kidnappers, forcing them to release their captives. According to a statement issued by the Joint Security Watch Kwara South on Sunday, 5 July 2026, the freed victims have since been reunited with their families.
Among those confirmed released are four residents of Idofin-Igbana, who were kidnapped about three months ago in early April 2026. Also freed were 15 worshippers from Ikerin Church in Eda Oniyo, who were abducted on 28 April 2026 while attending a night vigil and held captive for more than 60 days. Additionally, three of the remaining eight worshippers from ECWA Church, Omugo, who were kidnapped in early April 2026 while attending a Sunday church service, were among those rescued. The statement also noted that several other victims, whose identities have not yet been confirmed, regained their freedom during the same operation.
The rescue comes amid growing concerns over repeated kidnappings targeting residents and worshippers in communities across Kwara South and adjoining border areas with Kogi State, where criminal gangs have continued to exploit forest corridors for their operations. In a tragic development, five of the Omugo ECWA Church abducted victims were recently reported to have died in captivity under circumstances yet to be ascertained. The abduction of worshippers during church services has become one of the disturbing trends in recent years, with criminal gangs increasingly targeting religious gatherings, schools, highways, and rural communities.
The Joint Security Watch Kwara South commended the courage and commitment of the Kogi State Joint Security Forces for their efforts, describing the rescue as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and banditry in the area. "We give glory to God for answered prayers. We commend the bravery and sacrifice of the Kogi State Joint Security Operatives," the statement said. The group also prayed for the full recovery of the released victims and called for lasting peace across Kwara South and other border communities.
The successful operation underscores the effectiveness of intensified security operations being conducted in the border forests, which have witnessed repeated incidents of kidnappings in recent months. In recent weeks, the Nigerian military, police, and other security agencies have intensified operations in forests across the North-Central region as part of efforts to dismantle criminal camps and rescue kidnapped victims. Local hunters and vigilante groups have also played increasing roles in supporting conventional security agencies because of their knowledge of the terrain. Authorities have repeatedly stressed that cooperation between communities and security agencies remains essential to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The rescue operation has brought relief to many families who had spent months hoping for the safe return of their loved ones. Communities in Kwara South have experienced repeated attacks by armed kidnappers, particularly in settlements close to forests that stretch into neighbouring Kogi State. The challenge has prompted closer collaboration between security agencies in both states to improve intelligence sharing and coordinate operations against bandit groups. As the freed victims begin the process of healing and reintegration, the successful operation stands as a testament to what can be achieved through coordinated inter-agency cooperation and community support in the fight against kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria's North-Central region.
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