The Department of State Services (DSS), alongside the Kwara state forest guards, local hunters and vigilantes, on Wednesday July 29, killed three bandits and rescued nine abducted victims during an intelligence-led operation in Ekiti local government area of Kwara state.
The operation, carried out in the Obbo Aiyegunle, Ejiu Ora and Osi axis bordering Kwara and Ekiti states, followed intelligence on the activities of armed kidnappers operating in the area.
The rescued victims, including farmers abducted from their farmlands and others kidnapped in neighbouring Ekiti state, regained their freedom after the bandits fled under heavy gunfire.
Chief press secretary to the chairman of Ekiti local government area, Prince Dada Sunday, confirmed the operation on Thursday, July 30, saying intelligence gathered by security agencies led to the successful rescue mission.
According to him, more than 10 kidnappers had assembled victims abducted from different locations before security operatives engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
He added that one of the rescued victims sustained severe machete wounds to the head while resisting abduction.
One of the victims, Umaru Muazu, said the gunmen ambushed him and his son before forcing them into the bush after seizing a motorcycle.
Another rescued farmer, Ibrahim Danga, said they had been held captive until security operatives arrived and confronted the kidnappers.
A member of the Kwara state forest guards, Owolabi Adebayo, said the operation was intelligence-driven and appealed for more operational equipment, including body armour, night-vision goggles, binoculars, walkie-talkies and ammunition to strengthen the fight against banditry.
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