Dozens of people held captive by suspected bandits at Baba-Sango hideouts in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State escaped on Tuesday following a major security operation.
Security sources in Ilorin confirmed that the joint raid, which lasted from Sunday night until Monday morning, forced the abductors to abandon their victims and flee.
“The operation was a modest success, despite the ambush laid by the bandits,” a security officer said. “Several of the criminals were eliminated, while many of their victims have now made it to Babanla and Shagbe. A forest guard earlier feared dead has also returned home safely.”
A government source explained that the captives managed to escape after their abductors fled during the exchange of fire with security operatives.
“Many of the bandits were killed, while others fled. Community leaders in Babanla have reported seeing several of the freed victims. The operation marks an appreciable step in the government’s ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminals,” the source said.
Authorities assured that further crackdowns would continue until bandit groups are completely dislodged from the state.
