Police in Kwara have successfully rescued the abducted monarch, the Onigbesi of Onigbesi Community in Isin Local Government Area of the state, Oba Moses Oyinloye Omotayo, and two other abductees.
Their rescue followed a decisive security operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of Kwara State, during which one of the kidnappers was neutralised.
The victims were reportedly abducted in Igbesi on 22 August 2026 and their successful rescue underscores the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, securing communities and dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.
The operation commenced after a report was received at about 1000 hours at the Oro Police Station from Mr Abdul, a vigilante, who disclosed that one of his men had sustained a gunshot injury to the hand while in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the DPO, Oro Police Station, led a combined team of police operatives, military personnel and vigilantes to the reported location.
On sighting the advancing security team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire during which one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, forcing the remaining members of the gang to flee into the surrounding terrain.
In a determined pursuit operation, the security team maintained pressure on the fleeing criminals and subsequently rescued the Onigbesi of Igbesi and the two other kidnapped victims, identified as Maryam Abubakar and Aisha Ilyasu.
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a hospital, where they received medical attention and are currently safe, according to the spokesperson of the command, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, in Ilorin on Thursday.
“The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration and rapid operational response in confronting violent crime and protecting vulnerable citizens,” the spokesperson added.
State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, commended the gallantry, courage and professionalism displayed by the police operatives and their collaborating security partners in bringing the operation to a successful conclusion.
The command, however, has intensified efforts to track, arrest and bring to justice the fleeing members of the kidnapping gang, while further operations are being sustained across identified flashpoints.
The Commissioner reiterated that there will be no safe haven for kidnappers and other violent criminals in Kwara State and called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
