A vigilante was shot and seven kidnapped victims rescued after a fierce gun battle between security operatives and bandits in a forest near Owa-Onire, Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state.

The joint operation on Wednesday, was led by a security operative attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with police officers and local vigilantes.

The security team stormed the kidnappers’ hideout where they encountered armed resistance.

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The development, it was gathered, followed a sustained search and rescue efforts in the wake of recent abductions in the area.

A heavy exchange of gunfire was said to have ensued, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and retreat deeper into the forest.

Seven victims were said to have been rescued in the operation.

The police confirmed the incident on Thursday adding that the injured vigilante operative who sustained a gunshot injury during the encounter is responding to treatment.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 rifle magazines were recovered from the bandit’s hideout.

She listed those rescued as Adam Khadijat, Mamud Miriam, Mumini Ahmed, Hamadu Haruna, Afusatu Ladan and her nine-month-old son, Usman Ladan and Abibat Umaru.

She recounted that the victims have since been reunited with their families.

Quoting the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, Adetoun said he applauded the bravery and resilience of the security team and pledged, in synergy with other agencies, to “maintain aggressive operations against criminal hideouts until those behind kidnapping and banditry are brought to justice”.

He (Ojo) urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and continue to provide credible information to support security efforts across the state.