Police rescue abducted Kwara monarch and two other victims, k!ll kidnapper

The Kwara State Police Command has rescued the kidnapped Onigbesi of Igbesi, Oba Moses Omotayo, and two other victims.

LIB reported that the monarch and two others were abducted by gunmen in Igbesi community, Isin Local Government Area of the state on August 22, 2026.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, August 27, said the victims were rescued during a security operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of the state.

The PPRO stated that one of the kidnappers was neutralized during exchange of fire.  

“‎The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major operational breakthrough with the successful rescue of His Royal Highness, Oba Moses Oyinloye Omotayo, the Onigbesi of Igbesi, alongside two other kidnapped victims, following a decisive security operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of Kwara State,” the statement read.

“The victims were reportedly abducted at Igbesi on 22 August 2026, and their successful rescue underscores the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, securing communities and dismantling criminal networks operating within the State.‎

“The operation commenced following a report received at about 1000 hours at the Oro Police Station from Mr Abdul, a vigilante who disclosed that one of his men had sustained a gunshot injury to the hand while in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro. 

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the DPO, Oro Police Station, led a combined team of Police operatives, military personnel and vigilantes to the reported location. 

“On sighting the advancing security team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire during which one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, forcing the remaining members of the gang to flee into the surrounding terrain.

“‎In a determined pursuit operation, the security team maintained pressure on the fleeing criminals and subsequently rescued the Onigbesi of Igbesi and the two other kidnapped victims, identified as Maryam Abubakar and Aisha Ilyasu. 

“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a hospital, where they received medical attention and are currently safe. 

“The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration and rapid operational response in confronting violent crime and protecting vulnerable citizens.

“‎The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, psc, mnips, commends the gallantry, courage and professionalism displayed by the Police operatives and their collaborating security partners in bringing the operation to a successful conclusion. 

“The Command has intensified efforts to track, arrest and bring to justice the fleeing members of the kidnapping gang, while further operations are being sustained across identified flashpoints. 

“The Commissioner reiterates that there will be no safe haven for kidnappers and other violent criminals in Kwara State, and calls on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.”