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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), supported by the Kwara State Forest Guards, local hunters and vigilantes, have killed three suspected bandits and rescued nine kidnapped victims during a coordinated security operation in Kwara State.
The intelligence-led operation took place in the Obbo Aiyegunle, Ejiu Ora and Osi communities in Ekiti Local Government Area, which borders Ekiti and Kwara states.
The rescued victims included farmers abducted from their farmlands as well as others who had earlier been kidnapped in neighbouring Ekiti State.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti LGA, Prince Dada Sunday, the operation was launched after security agencies received credible intelligence on the activities of the kidnappers.
He said the armed gang, believed to comprise more than 10 members, had gathered victims abducted from different locations before security operatives stormed the area.
A fierce exchange of gunfire followed, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon their captives. Three of the suspects were killed during the operation, while nine victims were rescued.
Sunday disclosed that one of the victims suffered severe head injuries after being attacked with a machete while resisting abduction.
One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu from Obbo Aiyegunle, said he and his son were seized at gunpoint by four armed men who also stole a motorcycle before taking them into the forest.
Another victim, Ibrahim Danga, said the captives were still being held when security operatives arrived and engaged the kidnappers.
A member of the Kwara Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, confirmed that the rescue mission was based on intelligence gathering.
He said the security team neutralised three bandits and recovered nine victims, noting that the attackers were heavily armed.
Adebayo appealed for additional operational equipment, including body armour, binoculars, night-vision goggles, walkie-talkies and ammunition, to strengthen future operations against criminal groups.
