Police rescue Kwara monarch, two others, kill kidnapper

The Kwara State Police Command rescued the Onigbesi of Igbesi, Oba Moses Omotayo, and two other kidnapped victims from kidnappers, days after the traditional ruler was reportedly abducted in the Igbesi community of Isin Local Government Area. The incident occurred on August 22, 2026. The victims, Maryam Abubakar and Aisha Ilyasu, were rescued during a security operation in the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro region.

The operation began after a report from Abdul, a vigilante, who had received a gunshot injury while in the bush. Upon receiving the intelligence, the DPO led a combined team of police, military, and vigilantes to the location. When the security team arrived, the kidnappers opened fire, resulting in the neutralization of one suspected kidnapper and forcing the others to flee.

The remaining members were pursued, and the victims were eventually rescued. They were promptly taken to a hospital for medical attention. The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, praised the police and security personnel involved in the operation, emphasizing that there would be no safe haven for kidnappers and violent criminals in Kwara State.