In a daring rescue operation, the Kwara State Police Command has thwarted a kidnapping attempt, freeing 13 victims who had been abducted while traveling to a wedding in Kogi State. The high-stakes operation unfolded in the Oke-Ero Local Government Area after a distress call alerted authorities to the incident.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, hailed the success as a testament to the police force’s unwavering commitment to public safety. “The Kwara State Police Command has recorded another remarkable success in its fight against criminal activities by rescuing 13 kidnapped victims following a distress call on Dec. 21, 2024,” she announced in a statement issued from Ilorin.
A Calculated Operation
According to DSP Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation relied on actionable intelligence and support from local informants. With the assistance of the Oke-Ero Local Government Security Initiative, the police tracked the kidnappers to a hideout in the remote Idofin-Igbana area.
When the kidnappers spotted the approaching rescue team, a gunfight ensued. “The kidnappers, six in number and some dressed in military uniforms, engaged the operatives in a fierce exchange of gunfire,” she explained. However, the attackers were overpowered by the superior firepower of the police. They fled the scene, leaving their captives behind and nursing various injuries.
A Diverse Group of Victims
The victims included three women and ten men from different locations, such as Ilorin, Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero Local Government Area, and Ogbomoso. Among them were trailer drivers heading to Kogi State.
“Two of the victims sustained minor gunshot injuries,” Ejire-Adeyemi noted. “They were promptly treated at a nearby hospital and later reunited with their families.”
The harrowing ordeal began when the group, traveling in a convoy, was intercepted by the kidnappers. The criminals initially held them in a secluded forest area, while demanding ransom from their families.
Community Cooperation Pays Off
The successful operation underscored the critical role of community engagement in combating crime. Ejire-Adeyemi expressed gratitude to local residents for providing timely information that led to the rescue.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, commended the swift and decisive action of his men. “This operation demonstrates our resolve to confront criminality in all its forms,” he said. He also reassured the public of the Command’s readiness to act on credible intelligence.
Olaiya urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station. He shared emergency hotlines—07032069501 and 08125275046—for immediate assistance.
A Growing Threat in Kwara State
This incident highlights the rising threat of kidnapping in Nigeria, particularly along highways and in rural areas. In recent years, Kwara State, which had been relatively peaceful compared to neighboring states, has witnessed a surge in criminal activities, including kidnappings and armed robberies.
Experts attribute this trend to a combination of factors, including economic hardship and the spillover effects of insecurity in other parts of the country. “What we are seeing is a troubling pattern of organized crime extending into regions that were previously safe,” noted security analyst Abdullahi Bawa.
In this latest incident, the kidnappers’ use of military-style uniforms underscores the growing sophistication of criminal gangs. Many observers believe these outfits are intended to intimidate victims and confuse security personnel.
A Call for Continued Vigilance
The police have reiterated their commitment to fighting crime but have also emphasized the importance of community collaboration. “We cannot do this alone,” Olaiya stated. “Residents must act as our eyes and ears on the ground.”
He also warned against the dangers of spreading false information, which could distract security forces from responding to genuine threats. “We need accurate, timely intelligence to succeed,” he stressed.
Victims Share Ordeal
One of the rescued victims, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the terrifying experience. “We were stopped on the highway by armed men who looked like soldiers,” he said. “They forced us into the bush and kept us there for hours while they argued about ransom demands.”
Another victim praised the rescue team’s bravery. “We could hear gunshots from where we were being held. It was terrifying, but we knew help had come,” she said.
