Kwara Police Rescue Onigbesi of Igbesi, Two Others After Abduction

• The Kwara State Police Command successfully rescued Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, the Onigbesi of Igbesi, and two other victims, Maryam Abubakar and Aisha Ilyasu.
• The monarch and the others were abducted by gunmen from Igbesi community in Isin LGA on August 22, 2026.
• The rescue operation, involving police, military, and vigilantes, resulted in an exchange of gunfire where one kidnapper was neutralized.
• Police Commissioner Ojo Adekimi commended the intelligence-led, inter-agency operation and vowed continued efforts against criminals.
• The rescued victims received medical attention and are reported to be safe.

The seamless cooperation between the police, military, and vigilantes, as observed in this case, proved instrumental in overcoming the threat.

The Kwara State Police Command successfully orchestrated the rescue of the Onigbesi of Igbesi, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, alongside two other individuals, Maryam Abubakar and Aisha Ilyasu, following their abduction by armed assailants. The traditional ruler and the two other victims had been seized by gunmen from the Igbesi community, located within the Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, on August 22, 2026. This significant operation by the Kwara Police rescue Onigbesi of Igbesi and the other captives unfolded in the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of the state.

The rescue mission was initiated after an urgent report reached the Oro Police Station around 10:00 AM. A vigilante, identified as Abdul, informed authorities that one of his team members had sustained a gunshot wound to the hand while patrolling a bush area near Elerin/Ijomu-Oro. This critical intelligence prompted immediate action, with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oro Police Station quickly assembling a formidable joint security team. This team comprised police operatives, military personnel, and local vigilantes, demonstrating robust inter-agency security collaboration Nigeria.

Upon encountering the advancing security forces, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, leading to an intense and prolonged exchange of gunfire. During the confrontation, one of the armed abductors was neutralized, compelling the remaining members of the gang to abandon their captives and flee into the dense surrounding terrain. The determined pursuit by the combined security team ultimately led to the successful recovery of Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I and the two other kidnapped victims.

Following their liberation, the rescued individuals were promptly transported to a medical facility. There, they received necessary medical attention and were confirmed to be in safe condition, recovering from their ordeal. The swift and decisive action taken by the security agencies ensured the well-being of the monarch and the other abductees.

The Kwara State Police Command lauded the operation as a testament to intelligence-led policing, effective inter-agency collaboration, and a rapid operational response. Commissioner of Police (CP) Ojo Adekimi of the Kwara Police Command publicly commended all police operatives and other security personnel who participated in the successful rescue. This outcome underscores the commitment of Kwara State anti-kidnapping efforts to protect its citizens, particularly prominent figures like traditional rulers.

Authorities have confirmed that efforts are being intensified to track down and apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping syndicate who escaped during the rescue operation. Furthermore, the command is sustaining ongoing operations across identified flashpoints within the state, aiming to dismantle criminal networks and prevent future incidents. This proactive stance reflects a broader strategy to enhance the Isin LGA security situation and beyond.

CP Ojo Adekimi reiterated a firm warning that there would be no safe haven for kidnappers and other violent criminals within Kwara State. He also issued a public appeal, urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies. Such community cooperation is deemed crucial for bolstering security efforts and ensuring the safety of all citizens.

The Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I kidnapping highlights the persistent security challenges faced by communities in Kwara State, particularly concerning the abduction of traditional rulers in Nigeria. The incident, which saw gunmen invade the Igbesi community on August 22, firing shots before taking the monarch into the bush, underscores the audacity of criminal elements operating in the region. Igbesi's location within Oke-Onigbin town in Isin Local Government Area makes it susceptible to such incursions, emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance.

This successful rescue operation, however, also demonstrates the potential effectiveness of well-coordinated security responses. The seamless cooperation between the police, military, and vigilantes, as observed in this case, proved instrumental in overcoming the threat. It serves as a critical example of how intelligence-driven strategies and robust inter-agency security collaboration Nigeria can lead to positive outcomes, even in complex abduction scenarios.

This event highlights the continued security challenges posed by kidnapping in Kwara State, particularly for prominent figures, and demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led, inter-agency security operations. Legal professionals advising clients on risk management or security protocols in the region should consider this context, noting both the persistent threat and the potential for successful law enforcement intervention.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Online