Ekiti State Police Command, in a joint operation with the military, Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes, uncovered a kidnappers’ hideout in a dense forest straddling Irele-Ekiti in Ekiti State and Ogbe in Kogi State, leading to the rescue of two hostages and the arrest of one suspect. The operation, conducted during a bush-combing exercise, resulted in the safe recovery of Iorfa Solomon, 35, and Blessing Kingsley, 37, who had been held captive. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the region and underscores the importance of coordinated efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, on Wednesday, the security forces discovered the hideout after receiving intelligence about criminal activities in the area. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, sparking a gunfight. During the exchange, one suspect was apprehended, while the others fled into the forest. Despite the resistance, the two victims were rescued unharmed, marking a significant success for the joint security task force.
The victims were kidnapped on June 4, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m. while on duty at Aluta Bar in Ikoyi, Kogi State. They recounted that a group of about eight armed hoodlums surrounded the bar, fired shots into the air to create panic, and forcibly took them into the forest. Other patrons at the bar managed to escape during the chaos. The incident drew immediate attention from security agencies, who launched an investigation and tracked the suspects to the cross-state forest area.
The arrested suspect, identified as Abubakar Kabiru, confessed to the crime during interrogation. He confirmed the identities of the two rescued victims and named seven other members of his gang who remain at large. Both victims also positively identified Kabiru as one of the attackers, corroborating the suspect’s confession. Security officials are now intensifying efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitives and dismantle the criminal network.
Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in the fight against crime. He emphasized the importance of community involvement and intelligence sharing to prevent future incidents. The successful rescue operation serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of kidnapping in Nigeria’s rural and border areas, and the need for sustained security measures. Authorities remain committed to ensuring public safety and bringing all perpetrators to justice.
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