The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of seven villagers abducted on Tuesday morning in Motogun, Patigi Local Council of the state.

The victims were freed on Wednesday during a joint security operation in a forest near Owa-Onire, following sustained search-and-rescue efforts launched after a series of kidnapping incidents in the area.

Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the operation was led by a security operative from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), working with police officers and local vigilantes.

“During the operation, security operatives 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, while all seven victims were safely rescued,” she said.

Ejire-Adeyemi added that one vigilante sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire but was responding well to treatment. The rescued victims were identified as Adam Khadijat, 23; Mamud Miriam, 24; and Mumini Ahmed, 17, all from Oko; Hamadu Haruna, 44, from Ajase-Ipo; Afusatu Alhaji Ladan and her nine-month-old son, Usman Ladan, from Omu-Aran; and Abibat Umaru, 16, from Oke-Ode.

Items recovered from the kidnappers’ hideout included three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 rifle magazines. The victims have since been debriefed and reunited with their families.

Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, commended the resilience and bravery of the security team and assured that the command, in collaboration with other agencies, would continue to target criminal hideouts until all perpetrators of kidnapping and banditry are brought to justice. The police urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and to provide timely and credible information to assist ongoing security operations.