Operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command, in collaboration with the military, Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes, have rescued two kidnap victims and arrested one suspect during a bush combing operation on the Ekiti-Kogi border.
The operation took place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m. in a forest between Irele-Ekiti, Ekiti State, and Ogbe, Kogi State, according to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday.
Police said the security team discovered a suspected kidnap camp where two victims, Iorfa Solomon, 35, and Blessing Kingsley, 37, were being held. On sighting the operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, leading to a gun duel. One suspect, identified as Abubakar Kabiru, was arrested while others fled. The victims were rescued unhurt.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Solomon and Kingsley were abducted on June 4, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m. from Aluta Bar in Ikoyi, Kogi State. The victims told police that about eight armed men stormed the bar, fired shots into the air, and forced them into the forest.
During interrogation, Kabiru confessed to the crime and identified the rescued victims. The victims also identified him as one of their abductors. He reportedly named seven other gang members who are still at large.
The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in the fight against crime.
