Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A coordinated security operation involving the Department of State Services (DSS), Kwara State Forest Guards, local hunters, and vigilantes has resulted in the killing of three suspected bandits and the rescue of nine kidnap victims in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. The operation, which took place on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, targeted bandit hideouts in the Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora, and Osi axis of the local government area, which borders Ekiti and Niger states.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti Local Government Chairman, Prince Dada Sunday, the rescue operation was carried out by the state-recruited Forest Guards in conjunction with DSS operatives, local hunters, and vigilantes. The victims, who were abducted from the Eju community after a local market, were being moved through the bush towards Niger State when the security team intercepted the kidnappers.
Security sources revealed that the kidnappers numbered more than 10 and had assembled victims abducted from different locations before they were intercepted by security operatives. One of the victims sustained serious head injuries after he was cut with a machete while resisting abduction. The victims included farmers seized from their farmlands and others who had earlier been abducted in neighbouring Ekiti State. They regained their freedom after the kidnappers were forced to flee under heavy gunfire, abandoning their captives.
One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo Aiyegunle, recounted the harrowing experience of the abduction. He told reporters that the attack occurred around 4:57 pm. "Men came from nowhere and put a gun to my head. Four of them took me and my son. Fear gripped me and I fell to the ground. They also took my friend's motorcycle and kidnapped us," Muazu said. Another rescued farmer, Ibrahim Danga, also of Obbo Aiyegunle, confirmed that they were held briefly before the security forces arrived.
Owolabi Adebayo, a member of the Kwara Forest Guards, said the team had been on intelligence-driven bush combing when they engaged the terrorists. "We neutralised three of them and rescued nine people. One of the victims is receiving treatment for injuries," Adebayo said. He also highlighted the disparity in firepower, noting that the bandits were heavily armed. "There is no type of firearm that is not in their hand. We need more equipment such as body armour, binoculars, night goggles, walkie-talkies and more ammunition to confront them," Adebayo added.
The Chief Security Officer of Ekiti LGA, Agbemuko Gabriel, commended the forest guards for their efforts. "What they did for us two days ago, they are the ones that helped us rescue those people that were kidnapped along Ora-Yetoro axis. They have been doing enough security and intelligence work for us and we are happy for that," Gabriel said. Footage from the scene showed security operatives with several motorcycles allegedly recovered from the bandits, while the nine rescued persons were paraded.
The successful operation comes as the Federal Government moves to strengthen the fight against banditry and kidnapping. It was also disclosed that a new Army battalion has been approved for Umaro in Kwara South to bolster security operations in the area. Authorities have indicated that bush combing and joint patrols will continue in Kwara South and border communities to prevent further attacks on farming communities.
This operation marks a significant success for the DSS and Forest Guards in Kwara State, coming just weeks after a similar operation on July 17, 2026, when a joint security team killed two suspected bandits and rescued two kidnapped children from a forest between Oba Isin and Owa Onire in Isin and Ifelodun Local Government Areas. The recurring success of these joint operations underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security measures and inter-agency collaboration in combating the wave of banditry and kidnapping that has plagued Kwara State and other parts of Nigeria's North-Central region. The Ekiti Local Government Area, particularly its border communities adjoining Kogi and Niger states, has been a hotspot for bandit attacks. The latest rescue operation is a testament to the commitment of security forces to protect lives and property in the region.
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