Security operatives comprising the Police, Military, Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes have rescued two kidnap victims and arrested a suspected kidnapper during a bush-combing operation in Ekiti State.
The operation, which took place on Monday, June 9, 2026, led to the discovery of a kidnappers’ hideout located in a forest between Irele-Ekiti in Ekiti State and Ogbe in Kogi State.
According to a statement issued by the Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, the operatives encountered the kidnappers while conducting a coordinated security operation in the area.The statement revealed that the suspects opened fire on the security team upon sighting them, resulting in a gun duel. One of the suspects was apprehended, while other gang members escaped into the forest.
Two victims identified as 35-year-old Iorfa Solomon and 37-year-old Blessing Kingsley were rescued unharmed from the kidnappers’ den. Preliminary investigations showed that the victims were abducted on June 4, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m. while working at Aluta Bar in Ikoyi, Kogi State.
The victims narrated that about eight armed men stormed the bar, fired several gunshots into the air, and forcefully whisked them away into the forest. Other people at the bar reportedly escaped during the attack.
During interrogation, the arrested suspect, identified as Abubakar Kabiru, allegedly confessed to participating in the kidnapping operation. He reportedly identified the rescued individuals as members of the group’s captives, while the victims also confirmed that he was among those who abducted them.
The suspect further provided information about seven other members of the gang who remain at large.The Police said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Commending the joint security operation, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Falade Adegoroye Micheal, urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information in the fight against crime and criminality.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
