According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Area, Prince Dada Sunday, the victims had been abducted from Eju community and were being moved through a forest route toward Niger State when security personnel intercepted the kidnappers. The operation was jointly executed by state-recruited Forest Guards, DSS operatives, local hunters and vigilantes.

One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo-Aiyegunle, recounted that armed men suddenly emerged, pointed a gun at him and abducted him alongside his son after seizing a motorcycle belonging to another resident. Another victim, Ibrahim Danga, also confirmed that the group had only spent a short period in captivity before security operatives arrived and secured their freedom.

A Forest Guard, Owolabi Adebayo, said the rescue followed intelligence-led bush-combing operations that resulted in an exchange of gunfire with the suspected bandits. He disclosed that three of the suspects were killed during the encounter, while one of the rescued victims sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. Adebayo also appealed for improved equipment, including body armour, binoculars, night-vision devices, walkie-talkies and additional ammunition, to strengthen future operations.

The Chief Security Officer of Ekiti Local Government Area, Agbemuko Gabriel, praised the Forest Guards and other security personnel for their bravery and coordinated response. The latest operation comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to tackle kidnapping and banditry in Kwara State, with a new Army battalion recently approved for Umaro in Kwara South to reinforce security operations across the area.