Kwara joint security forces rescue seven kidnap victims, including infant, in Patigi gun battle
Security operatives in Kwara State on Wednesday successfully rescued seven kidnap victims, including a woman and her nine-month-old baby, following a joint operation and gun battle with bandits in a forest near Owa-Onire on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
The rescue operation was launched after a series of kidnapping incidents in the area, specifically targeting villagers abducted on Tuesday morning in Motogun, Patigi Local Council, as per a Nigerian Sketch report.
The operation was led by a security operative from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), working in collaboration with police officers and local vigilantes.
During the confrontation, the security team encountered armed resistance from the kidnappers, leading to a fierce gun battle. The criminals were forced to abandon their hostages and flee deeper into the forest.
One vigilante sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange but is reportedly responding well to treatment.
The rescued victims were identified as Adam Khadijat (23), Mamud Miriam (24), Mumini Ahmed (17), Hamadu Haruna (44), Afusatu Alhaji Ladan and her nine-month-old son Usman Ladan, and Abibat Umaru (16).
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They have since been debriefed and reunited with their families.
Items recovered from the kidnappers’ hideout included three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 rifle magazines. Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, commended the security team’s resilience and bravery, assuring continued efforts to target criminal hideouts and bring perpetrators to justice. The police urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and to provide timely and credible information to assist ongoing security operations.