Two bandits killed, two kidnap victims rescued in Kwara

By Ahmed Olayinka

A joint security team comprising operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and forest guards has rescued two kidnap victims and neutralised two suspected bandits during a coordinated operation in a forest located between Oba Isin and Owa Onire in Isin and Ifelodun Local Government Areas of Kwara State.

The operation, carried out on Thursday, led to the safe rescue of 16-year-old Fatima Azeez and five-year-old Ibrahim Azeez, according to local authorities.

Security sources said the operatives engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle after storming their hideout, resulting in the death of two bandits.

Several others reportedly escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.

Items recovered from the scene included an AK-47 rifle, a single-barrel gun, one fully loaded magazine, nine empty magazines, a mini solar panel and food supplies believed to have been used by the criminal gang.

A security source disclosed that the operation forms part of ongoing multi-agency counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping efforts aimed at dismantling criminal camps and improving security across Kwara State.

The latest success underscores the sustained collaboration among security agencies in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in the state.