Police rescue abducted monarch, two others in Kwara

Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have successfully rescued the abducted monarch, Onigbesi of Onigbesi Community in Isin Local Government Area, Oba Moses Oyinloye Omotayo, and two additional victims. The rescue occurred following a security operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro area in Kwara State, during which one of the kidnappers was neutralised.

The victims were reportedly abducted on August 22, 2026, in Igbesi. The operation stemmed from a report received at the Oro Police Station by Mr. Abdul, a vigilante, who informed authorities that one of his companions had been shot in the hand while in the bush near Elerin/Ijomu-Oro. Upon receiving the intelligence, the DPO of the Oro Police Station, along with a combined team of police officers, military personnel, and vigilantes, moved swiftly to the reported location.

Upon encountering the advancing security team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, resulting in an intense gun battle. One of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, causing the remaining members to flee into the surrounding area. The security team pursued the fleeing criminals and ultimately rescued the Onigbesi of Igbesi, as well as two other kidnapped individuals named Maryam Abubakar and Aisha Ilyasu.

The rescued victims were promptly taken to a hospital for medical treatment and are safe, according to the command's spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi. State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, praised the bravery and professionalism of the police officers and their collaborating security partners in successfully completing the operation.

The command has intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping gang, while ongoing operations are being conducted in various high-risk areas. The Commissioner emphasized that there will be no safe haven for kidnappers or violent criminals in Kwara State and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and reliable information to security agencies.