The Kwara State Police Command has announced the rescue of seven villagers who were kidnapped on Tuesday morning in Motogun, Patigi Local Government Area of the state.

The victims were rescued on Wednesday during a joint security operation in a forest near Owa-Onire.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated that the operation was led by a security operative of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), in conjunction with police officers and local volunteers.

“During the operation, security operatives encountered armed resistance from the kidnappers, prompting a gunfight. The criminals eventually fled into the forest, abandoning all seven victims, who were rescued,” she stated.

Adetoun noted that one vigilante was shot and injured in the engagement, but he was stabilized and receiving treatment.

Among those rescued were Adam Khadijat (23), Mamud Miriam (24), Mumini Ahmed (17) and Hamadu Haruna (44), Afusatu Alhaji Ladan and her baby boy, Usman Ladan, age nine months, and Abibat Umaru (16).

In the kidnappers’ camp, three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 magazines were recovered. All the victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families.

Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Adekimi Ojo, praised the gallantry of the joint team and pledged continued aggressive onslaughts against criminal enclaves across the state.

The Command urged residents to stay calm, remain vigilant, and share credible information to support ongoing operations.