Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Tuesday received 23 abducted persons who were rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army, warning that kidnappers and other criminals “have no place in Kwara State.”
The victims, who had spent weeks in captivity, were handed over to the Governor at the 22 Armoured Brigade headquarters in Sobi, Ilorin.
Speaking during the brief ceremony, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Armed Forces and President Bola Tinubu for their support in tackling insecurity across the state.
“We thank God that you’ve all regained your freedom following the relentless efforts of our security forces. We also appreciate the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Nigerian Army for this success,” the Governor said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
He added, “We’re happy to see 23 victims freed today. The government will support your rehabilitation. These challenges are temporary — it’s either these criminals leave Kwara or they die here. This is a state of harmony.”
The Governor commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and the new Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Nicholas Nemetne Rume, for their aggressive push against kidnappers and bandits, noting that their efforts have restored calm to previously troubled communities.
AbdulRazaq also announced that forest guards would soon be deployed across the state once the Army concludes its ongoing “clean-up operations,” to maintain peace and allow displaced farmers to return to their lands.
“The GOC has been on the ground for two weeks, and since then, we’ve seen a turnaround. Many criminals have been arrested or neutralised. Peace is gradually returning to Kwara,” he said.
Brigadier General Rume, in his remarks, thanked the Governor for his consistent support of the Army and assured that operations against kidnappers would continue until they are completely wiped out of the state.
“The GOC’s directive is clear — it’s either the bandits leave Kwara State or they die here,” Rume stated. “We’ll keep the pressure on until the job is done.”
One of the rescued victims, Pastor Obafemi, described his time in captivity as “traumatic.”
“It was a painful experience being held against our will,” he said. “I thank the Governor and the troops for rescuing us. May God strengthen them to defeat those terrorising us.”
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Kwara, long known for its peace, has recently seen a rise in kidnapping and banditry, especially in Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi Local Government Areas.
Security agencies, backed by the state government, have intensified coordinated operations to dislodge the criminal groups believed to have entered the state from neighbouring Niger and Kogi.
Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies with logistics, intelligence, and welfare to ensure Kwara remains safe for residents and investors.
