By Alexis Uchendu
The Kwara State Police Command rescued 13 kidnap victims on December 21, 2024, following a coordinated operation.
The victims, abducted by armed assailants en route to a wedding in Kogi State, were freed in the Idofin-Igbana area.
DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed in a statement that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Oke-Ero Local Government Security Initiative.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives swiftly located the suspects’ hideout.
The six kidnappers, some in military uniforms, engaged the team in a gunfight but were overpowered and fled, leaving their captives behind.
The victims, including 10 males and three females from Odo-Owa, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, and Kogi, were freed.
Two victims suffered minor gunshot wounds but were treated at a nearby hospital.
All victims were later reunited with their families.
Commissioner of Police Victor Olaiya commended the rescue team and local communities for their timely support, reaffirming the police’s commitment to fighting crime in the state.
The operation highlighted the importance of community collaboration in ensuring public safety.
