Kwara Police Storm ’Hideout, Neutralize Suspected Kidnapper and Rescue Onigbesi of Igbesi, Two Others

The Kwara State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping after security operatives rescued the Onigbesi of Igbesi, His Royal Highness Oba Moses Oyinloye Omotayo, and two other victims from suspected kidnappers.

The victims were reportedly abducted at Igbesi on August 22, 2026, with their eventual rescue coming after a coordinated operation by the police, military personnel and local vigilantes around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of the state.

According to the police, the operation was triggered by information received at about 10:00 a.m. at the Oro Police Station. A vigilante identified as Mr Abdul had reported that one of his colleagues sustained a gunshot wound to the hand while operating in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.

Acting on the information, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Oro Police Station mobilised a joint team of police officers, military personnel and vigilantes to the reported location to investigate the incident and pursue the suspected criminals.

The security team reportedly came under fire after encountering the suspected kidnappers. Operatives responded, resulting in a gun battle during which one suspected member of the kidnapping gang was neutralised.

The confrontation forced other members of the gang to abandon their position and flee into the surrounding terrain. Security operatives subsequently launched a sustained pursuit, maintaining pressure on the fleeing suspects as they moved through the area.

The operation eventually led to the discovery and rescue of Oba Omotayo and two other victims identified by the police as Maryam Abubakar and Aisha Ilyasu. The three victims were evacuated and taken to a hospital for medical attention.

The police said the rescued victims are now safe and receiving the necessary care, describing the operation as a demonstration of the value of timely intelligence, inter-agency cooperation and rapid response in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, commended the security personnel involved in the operation for what he described as their courage, professionalism and determination.

Adekimi also directed that efforts be intensified to locate and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang, assuring residents that security operations would continue in areas identified as potential kidnapping flashpoints.

The Commissioner reiterated that the police and other security agencies would not allow kidnappers and other violent criminals to establish safe havens in Kwara State. He therefore appealed to residents to continue providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in preventing attacks and apprehending criminal suspects.