Kwara: Kidnap victims escape as security forces raid criminal hideouts

Dozens of kidnap victims, who were being held at criminal hideouts in Babasango community in the Ifelodun local government area of Kwara, have reportedly escaped following a security crackdown on the location.

The successful operation was confirmed by security operatives and community leaders in the Babanla community, and was corroborated in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the state governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.

A source familiar with the operation described the outcome as a “modest success,” despite an ambush laid by the criminals.

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“Not only were several of the criminals eliminated, but dozens of their victims have also fled the area. Many are now in Babanla and Shagbe,” the source said on Tuesday.

The source added that a forest guard, who was initially feared lost during the operation, has since returned home.

A government source explained that the victims were able to flee after their captors scattered to escape the determined efforts of the security forces to dislodge them.

“Many of their abductors died in the encounter with the security forces, while others fled to safety. While a lot may need to be done, the Sunday night operation has posted appreciable success in the government’s efforts to rout out the criminals,” the source said.

Community leaders in Babanla have also confirmed that many kidnap victims have been seen in the area since the operation.

The government source stated that security crackdowns are ongoing and will continue until the criminals are “totally chased out of the state.“